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For Jack Probart, a Kingswood home owner and entrepreneur par excellence, there are no half measures. You either do a thing wholeheartedly and properly, or leave it. It is obvious that this motto works for him, judging by the success of his now global wealth management business, Affluence Capital.
A born entrepreneur with a lively interest in investments since childhood, Jack has always had the dream of running his own business. He had, however, the good sense to first gain the necessary experience in banking and stockbroking. After obtaining his BCom degree from Unisa, he started his career in the banking industry. He then became a CFP (Certified Financial Planner) by completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning at the University of the Free State.
He went overseas to learn everything he could about private banking and, after returning to South Africa, he started Affluence Capital in Sandton in 2004. The company has grown organically into a truly independent, privately owned advisory business with clients across the world – from Australia and the USA to Europe and Barbados. There are three branches, located in Sandton, George and Cape Town, and 17 capable and experienced staff members make up his workforce.
He’s a hard worker who is not afraid of putting in the hours to get results. Technology, globally outsourced research and an agile business model enable the team to make quick decisions, and achieve superior returns for their clients. This is in direct contrast with large companies that cannot implement decisions quickly. ‘We have in place advanced global trading systems that are efficient, transparent and effective. This enables us to deliver cost-effective services as we don’t need huge teams of people providing the same support to our clients,’ he said.
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Despite these challenging times, with COVID-19 dominating the world scene, Affluence Capital performed very well last year, and had one of their best years for clients. ‘We are very thankful and humbled that we were able to generate some of the best returns last year. This was mainly due to investing in quality shares overseas. During lockdown, we worked really hard to seek out opportunities and to deliver the best advice to our clients.’
Jack and his family moved to George in 2008 after having bought a vacant property in Kingswood Golf Estate in 2007. The move was inspired mainly by the lifestyle offered by the scenic Garden Route. They enjoy living on the estate, and appreciate the beautiful setting, security and centrality of its location. ‘We chose Kingswood due to all these factors, and because there’s a wonderful down-to-earth atmosphere.’
Jack’s wife, Toinette, who is also a director of the business, is a counsellor who has made a deep impression in the lives of many people. Helping others, especially women, is her life’s calling. ‘She is the author of The Art of Womanhood, offers an online course in family transformation, and does online counselling and teaching at the Family Transformation Centre here in George,’ he said. ‘She’s the one who looks after the emotional wellbeing of our team, which is such an important aspect.’
Their weekends are spent on their guest farm, Shanzeley, 60 kilometres north of George between the Outeniqua and Kammanassie mountains. The Probarts bought this farm in 2013 with the goal of setting up an agricultural development franchise in an effort to address food security and unemployment, but it didn’t work out. ‘So,’ said Jack, ‘we ended that venture in 2018, and converted the land into a sheep farm and guest farm, which turned out to be a popular breakaway.’
Go-getter that he is, he recently realised another childhood dream by obtaining his helicopter pilot’s licence in December last year.
Jack attributes their success to hard work, expertise and building long-term client relationships. ‘Our philosophy is honouring our word. My advice to anyone for success in any aspect of life is to pray about it. Don’t rush in; have peace about the things you want to achieve. And then go for it wholeheartedly.’
