Our precious Clint is moving on to a new opportunity at our sister company, Ngikwazi. It’s the perfect move for him, and I know he’s going to be happy, stretched in all sorts of ways, and will thrive in that environment. So, as his friend, I’m standing on the sidelines, cheering him on at the top of my voice!

But I’m also feeling really sad at this parting of ways.

Clint was one of the first of our Avos: he was here near the beginning of our Avo journey, and has been such an important part of the growth of the company, and also my personal growth. I just did a quick sum of Clint’s sales contribution over the past 6 years or so, and its close to R15 million in revenue over that time! Thats an incredible contribution to feeding the families of a whole lot of Avos, and a crucial contributor to the sustainability of our company!

But Clint’s contribution has gone way beyond just the revenue. He has been such a significant part of the Avo family that I honestly can’t imagine how we’ll be without him. He’s been a loyal and committed man who has tended and protected his Avo community with heart, wisdom and integrity. He has used his voice and position to defend our values, and has pushed many of us to learn the courage of ‘having the conversation’.

I have watched Clint face many of his own dragons in this decade we have walked together, and I have always been inspired by the courage with which he tackles his own dark side. I have celebrated his triumphs and mourned his failures with him, ever mindful of the privilege we’ve had of being able to be friends like that.

He brought his precious soul mate, Carla Jo, into our world, married her, and is now raising a family with her, and I have loved watching first the husband, and then the father in him emerge. He is a beautiful family man!

I must confess, I am finding it really hard to find the words to do my friend justice here. So I’m simply setting this up as an opening blog, and leaving space for the rest of the Avos to say their bit.

Farewell, my friend. Thanks for sharing this part of the road with me. I know Andre has a sense of who you are in the world, and respects what you bring. I hope you guys will be able to do brilliant work together. I’ll be watching and celebrating your journey from just across the valley!

A mini history of Jules and Avo…

Jules’ new article, which appears in the Destiny magazine this month, highlights some of the ups and downs of her time since she planted the Avo Pip, so to speak.

Lovin’ the new look Jules!

To read Jules’ Destiny Profile, simply click here.