Gerhardt Becker, FICS Founder and Chairman

*  Who is Gerhardt Becker?

First and foremost, I am a child of the living God. I am also a husband to Karin, a loving and God fearing wife, mother, and grandmother whose prayers keep me motivated and humble. I am also blessed to be the father of four beautiful children and four grandchildren.

I was born and bred in Klerksdorp, schooled in Wesvalia and moved to Pretoria after school in the early eighties to study law. Following that, I worked as a senior claims handler for the Road Accident Fund (RAF) until 1993.  After that, I started my own business, which focused on the RAF and its environment.

* Why business?

My move into the business world was a natural one as I am service oriented and strive to make a difference in people’s lives, as well as impact and add value to the South African economy and abroad.

*  You have been in the business of private investigations for the past 23 years – what keeps you involved?

The motor vehicle industry and the complexity of settling claims specifically in South Africa where accurate facts surrounding motor vehicle accidents are not always regularly and immediately available.  This led me to develop a system which could provide accurate information.  This is so important to save time and money in this industry.

* What are the biggest challenges facing your industry and those of your clients?

The costs involved in finalizing claims in the short-term insurance industry and the Road Accident Fund (RAF).

* How does your new business model as well as the FICS Mobile app address these?

Facts are gathered immediately after an accident occurs, which give all parties the opportunity to finalize and settle claims in a much shorter time frame, and which can save the industry billions of Rands.

*  What would spell success in this current project for you?

A national footprint of FICS franchisees in South Africa, which is responsible for capturing information relating to over 80% of all accidents that occur on South Africa’s roads.

*  What legacy would you like to leave as FICS?

The legacy of a God fearing family man, who had a passion for creating business opportunities not only for my children and their generation but also to others from all walks of life, who happen to cross my path.