COVID-19 – the black swan of our lifetime

Neil Jankelowitz

Senior Wealth Navigator

As someone who thrives on helping people achieve their financial aspirations, Neil’s role as part of the Octagon management team is to streamline procedures and integrate software with these procedures to enhance the client experience.

He is involved in the process from beginning to end, ensuring all his clients’ needs are met. Building trust and understanding with his clients enables him to fast track wealth creation and preservation.

When not working, Neil enjoys being outdoors, running, and playing squash, tennis or golf. He is also passionate about bonsai, and has been growing bonsai trees for 15 years.

“Don’t follow the path, create it”

Jason Kree

Senior Wealth Navigator

Jason is a specialist risk and investment consultant at Octagon Financial. He has worked in the industry for more than 12 years, and joined the Octagon team in 2020.

He constantly strives to build trusting relationships with his clients, helping them reach their financial goals.

Jason is inspired by his wife and three sons, and in his downtime enjoys lawn bowls and playing golf with his clients.

“You see things and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and I say, ‘Why not?” ” – George Bernard Shaw

Shelley Avramov

Senior Wealth Navigator

Shelley has an extensive financial background, having worked in financial administration since 1987.

Passionate about helping clients realise positive financial growth, she joined Octagon Financial as a Financial Planner in 2014. She thrives on client interaction and cultivating trust-based client relationships.

When not assisting clients, Shelley enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.

“Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment” ” – Oprah Winfrey

Faatima Pillay

Head of Employee Benefits & Senior Wealth Navigator

With incredible attention to detail and a passion for service excellence, Faatima has run a smooth ship managing all administration and support services at Octagon Financial since 2003. For years she spearheaded our industry-compliant administrative team, inspired by a service culture of ownership, efficiency and excellence.

In 2019 she took over management of our corporate and individual client base, and today heads up our employee benefits division.

After hours Faatima enjoys quality time spent with her husband, family and friends, and listening to music.

“Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence!”

Richelle Kohn

Senior Wealth Navigator

Richelle joined Octagon in 2013 as the branch manager in Knysna.

Driven by discipline and her methodical approach to getting things done, Richelle passionately assists her clients in achieving financial growth and preservation to ensure their safe and financially-fit retirement.

She builds trusting relationships with her clients by empowering them with knowledge and research to guide them in their financial decision-making process.

Richelle adores animals and is on the boards of Knysna Animal Welfare, Knysna Sedgefield Hospice and the Learning Tree. She is a competitive golfer, and can be found most mornings walking her dogs along the Knysna lagoon.

“It’s not a secret, it’s a formula”

Yehuda Kay

Senior Wealth Navigator

Yehuda has a wealth of experience in both the property and financial advisory fields.

A few years ago he took on the challenge of growing the short-term division at Octagon Financial, and today also heads up our medical aid department.

“The growth and the protection of the client’s wealth and assets is paramount”

David Aronowitz

Financial Director

David joined Octagon in 2007 as the financial manager. He was later appointed to financial director and today assumes the position of internal compliance and financial director, ensuring the company is legally and financially compliant.

He has a die-hard, go-get-it attitude that drives him to work hard, focus, persevere and commit to every task at hand.

A machine at the office, David uses his spare time to put his feet up and relax.

“Get down and do it!”

Menachem Kay

Chief Executive Officer

With his sincere love for people and numbers, Menachem founded Octagon Financial Services in July 2003. He proactively steers the company towards achieving financial prosperity and growth for both Octagon clients and its shareholders.

His empathic, client-centric approach aims to distil complex financial information for his clients to enable them to truly understand the financial products at their disposal, and make sound financial decisions with the utmost peace of mind.

Menachem is deeply committed to his clients and preserving their wealth and prosperity – a quality he balances with equal dedication to his family.

“No Man is born hating another” – Nelson Mandela

Steve Crouse

Chief Investment Officer & Senior Wealth Navigator

Steve joined Octagon Financial Services in 2010, and attributes his success to always maintaining his integrity and doing the very best he can for those around him.

With extensive industry experience and a passion to make a difference in his clients’ lives, Steve aims to help his clients build optimised portfolios, uninfluenced by marketing spin.

He is analytical, sociable and innovative in his approach, continually looking to share ideas and evolve his thinking.

Steve keeps energised by spending time with his loved ones, going for a run, enjoying a good read and appreciating the great outdoors

“Fortune Favours the Brave”

Chaim Shalpid

Senior Wealth Navigator

Chaim is a specialist risk and investment consultant at Octagon Financial Services.

He joined the company in 2005, and works tirelessly to build trusting relationships with his clients, guiding them towards financial prosperity.

Chaim is solutions driven, guided by his belief that ‘with passion, hard work and love for what you do, you will ultimately achieve success, both materially and spiritually’.

In his downtime Chaim enjoys keeping active and fuelling his mind reading or watching a good movie.

“Either lead, follow or move out the way” – Ted Turner

COVID-19 – the black swan of our lifetime

COVID-19 – the black swan of our lifetime

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Neil Jankelowitz

Jason Kree

Shelley Avramov

Faatima Pillay

Richelle Kohn

Yehuda Kay

David Aronowitz

Menachem Kay

Steve Crouse

Chaim Shalpid

COVID-19 – the black swan of our lifetime

COVID-19 – the black swan of our lifetime

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