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.