Timber iQ August- September 2018 // Issue: 39 | Page 52
REGULARS - PERSONALITY PROFILE
A cut above the rest
Timber iQ learns more about Venetta Dudley, the versatile
and independent business owner of VVA CNC Machines.
By Candace Sofianos King
EMBRACING HER INNER ENTREPRENEUR
Due to a few changes in her working environment, she decided
it was time to move on and start a small business of her own
called the VVA Group or VVA CNC. She only started to operate
the business earlier this year – her main focus is selling
consumables and some locally built machines.
VVA has recently acquired the South African distributorship
of CoreHog Cutting Tools – these are for all types of wood,
plastic, aluminium, composites, custom and certain types of
steel. These tools are manufactured in the US and have a
reputation in the aerospace industry for great quality and
affordability – they have a technical team that can help with all
types of requirements.
Dudley studied business management at BMT College in
Johannesburg in the late 1980s as well as a course in basic
electronics. She has learned a lot in the plasma side of CNC –
doing short courses and attending training courses on the
Hypertherm power supplies has assisted her greatly.
50 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018 //
V
enetta Dudley started out in the industry in 2008,
learning everything she could about Computer
Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines and how
they operate.
She was originally the buyer and seller of the materials and
equipment for a local machine building company in Cape Town.
This was the foot in the door for Dudley to gain insight into
understanding the CNC machine industry as well as to soak up
a huge amount of knowledge about the sector.
Coupled with digital soundness thanks to the CNC world,
Dudley keeps up with technology and new trends all the time
– what she doesn’t know or understand she is not afraid to ask
– which in turn she gains more knowledge.
Hailing from England in the early 1970s as well as travelling
a lot in her younger years, she has been given the ability to
adapt to many changing environments and challenges, making
her very business wise. While she loves a challenge, if things
get technical, she ‘will call in the guys’. Generally she says she
manages all on her own – she has an acumen for the technical
side of things, surprising some people out there at times.
According to people that know her, they see her as a
hardworking and positive strong woman who is always willing
to assist and loves life to the full. Armed with a warm heart,
Dudley is involved in a non-profit organisation in Manenberg,
Cape Town – this is one of the most dangerous places in the
country, she says, “even the police don’t want to enter there.”
Despite this harsh reality, her passion is assisting the children
and elderly.
Venetta Dudley, owner of VVA CNC Machines.
"Dudley keeps up with technology
and new trends all the time – what
she doesn't know or understand
she is not afraid to ask."
TRUE GRIT
According to Dudley, there is a big market for CNC in
South Africa. “We have barely touched the surface. I
intend to create better awareness of the benefits and
opportunities to customers,” she says.
Her passion is to assist her customers in achieving the
best possible finish on their jobs. “When it comes to the
customer requirements, I am more than able to assist
with their needs. I strive to meet my customers’ requests
and maintain the highest standards possible,” says Dudley.
She also aims to build strong relationships with
suppliers and customers, offering the best service at all
times. Finally, her goal is to become a force to be
reckoned with in the sub-Saharan market place.