User:Steyn.debuys/sandbox

Steyn de Buys

Steyn de Buys (born 16 September 1999) is a South African-born New Zealand entrepreneur, business student, and former white water rafting guide. He has made significant impacts in the agriculture and landscaping sectors in New Zealand and is known for his strategic approach to business and agriculture.

Early Life and Education

Born in Welkom, South Africa, Steyn de Buys moved to New Zealand with his family in 2007 when he was eight years old. Adapting to his new country, Steyn attended various schools, finally completing his secondary education at Bethlehem College in 2017. His early life in New Zealand helped him develop a deep appreciation for the outdoors, which later influenced his career choices.

Career

De Buys’s professional career began shortly after high school. In 2018, he achieved certification in white water rafting for Grade III rivers, working as a rafting guide. This experience honed his leadership and risk management skills. However, his career took a significant turn later that year when he ventured into dairy farming, demonstrating his adaptability and eagerness to tackle new challenges.

Recognising opportunities in the agricultural sector, Steyn founded his first business in rural fencing while still engaged in dairy farming. This venture quickly expanded as he saw the need for specialised services in rural areas. By 2021, Steyn’s business acumen led him to fully commit to his agriculture contracting enterprise, diversifying into horticultural services, temporary fencing, and landscaping.

His business prowess was evident in 2022 when he successfully sold his landscaping business for $30,000. This transaction followed a year in which his businesses collectively earned an impressive annual profit of 6.5 million NZD, underscoring his success as a savvy entrepreneur.

Education

With his businesses stabilised and generating significant profit, Steyn enrolled at the University of Waikato in 2022 to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business. Opting to double major in finance and strategic management, he aimed to refine his skills in financial analysis and strategic business planning, areas he identified as crucial for his future entrepreneurial endeavours.

Recent Developments

In early 2024, Steyn orchestrated the sale of Rural Defence New Zealand, a privately owned company he was involved in, which was sold for 4.75 million dollars. This sale marked a significant milestone in his career, reflecting his growing influence in the business world.

Personal Life

Outside of his professional endeavours, Steyn is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying activities such as hiking and kayaking. He attributes much of his business success to the principles he learned from his adventures in nature—resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking.