From humble beginnings in the dusty streets of Randfontein to heading up an astoundingly lucrative business, Tim Hogins has made impressive strides in his career as a businessman. Everything he has achieved with the GOG (Green Outdoor Gyms) in the past ten years testifies to his persevering entrepreneurial spirit.

After matriculating in 1996, Tim was faced with the challenge of carving out a career for himself with little resources at his disposal. His limited access to career options led to him taking up a field security course, after which he worked as a security officer for 8 months. While working as a security officer, he heard about a bursary initiative that would allow him to venture into a career in IT programming. He applied for the course and, after failing a few aptitude and computer literacy tests, he qualified as an MSCE and IT technician.

After qualifying, Tim spent a few years working in the IT industry. He worked for global IT giant Dimension Data as an IT consultant and quickly moved up the ranks. He then moved to EOH in 2007 and it was while he was here that the vision for GOG came to mind. Getting retrenched appeared to be a blessing in disguise as it gave him the push he needed to register GOG.

GOG is a company that is focused on building outdoor gyms that add an element of fun and adventure to wellness. Since its inception, the company has grown by leaps and bounds. With Tim at its helm, GOG has become a leading name in outdoor gym and play facilities. The company has taken health and fitness to the next level through outdoor gyms.

Tim is all about taking ideas to the next level. He understands that to be successful in business, one must never rest on one’s laurels. He was not satisfied with only installing hundreds of gyms across southern Africa. While GOG was still growing, Tim saw the need to diversify GOG’s portfolio—he invested over R40 million in two self-sustaining lifestyle parks in Gauteng. A third lifestyle park, GOG Kids, is currently under construction in Chameleon Village in Hartebeespoort.

 

“We believe that health and fitness is a right – not the luxury of a privileged few. GOG is the leading brand in outdoor health and fitness products, services and lifestyle experiences, empowering all people of South Africa.” – Tim Hogins, CEO, GOG

 

To add to his already impressive portfolio, Tim has been involved in a R380 million project—the construction of Happy Island Waterworld, which is due to open at the end of this year.

Tim Hogins's journey has been one of trials and triumph, bravery and determination. He has been and continues to be steadfast and relentless in pursuing his goal of building strong, proudly South African businesses. To this end, he has added consulting, events, and sportswear to the GOG brand. Through the GOG Foundation, he hopes to inspire others to achieve the same level of success.

 

Tim’s vision is to build a billion-Rand empire by 2020 and list on the JSE without the involvement of business partners. Having achieved so much at only 37 years old, he is well on his way to reaching his goal.


For more information on GOG, visit http://gog.co.za/  

 

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