Luke Calitz

Luke Calitzn holds a Marketing Diploma from IMM

Luke Calitz is an extraordinary entrepreneur who has taken significant strides in transforming the luxury resale industry in South Africa. A pioneering spirit with a passion for sustainability and social empowerment, his unique approach to business has garnered local and international attention, making him a standout candidate for the Forty Under 40 award.

As a serial entrepreneur, Luke has been at the helm of five businesses, but it is his role as the CEO and Co-Founder of Luxity, South Africa’s largest pre-owned luxury reseller, that has truly set him apart. Under his visionary leadership, Luxity has grown exponentially from a one-person team to a 45-strong workforce in just seven years, despite the adversities faced during the pandemic. Luke’s unique strategy of embracing omni-channel retail has ensured the survival and significantly contributed to the company’s growth and dominance in the market. His company’s success is underscored by its recognition as the fastest-growing retail company in Africa by the Financial Times and a testament to Luke’s entrepreneurial acumen.

Luke boasts considerable industry experience, including his leadership role at B Online, a thriving digital marketing agency. His contributions to the business world have earned him and Luxity various awards, such as winning the Grindstone entrepreneurship program in 2021. This, coupled with his steadfast commitment to authenticity, is a compelling demonstration of his level of expertise and the high standards he sets for his businesses.

What further elevates Luke is his deep commitment to his community. Not only has he created jobs, but he has also consciously chosen to empower women from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, with 90% of Luxity’s workforce being female. His active role in various professional organizations helps drive important conversations around sustainability and women’s empowerment in the business sector.

The pre-owned luxury sector, in which Luxity operates, plays a significant role in the broader community and environment. It combats the detrimental effects of fast fashion by promoting a circular economy, reducing waste, and extending the lifespan of high-quality items. Luke’s role in pushing this sector to the mainstream is commendable, as it does not only makes luxury more accessible but also contributes to sustainable fashion practices.

In summary, Luke Calitz’s robust professional achievements, leadership prowess, and commitment to social empowerment and sustainability make him worthy of the Forty under 40 award. His unique vision has guided Luxity to a prominent position in the retail industry, and his innovative strategies have set new standards for entrepreneurship in South Africa. His significant contributions to the growth of the pre-owned luxury sector have not only had a positive impact on the business landscape but also on the broader community and environment

Luke Calitz’s professional journey is marked by a history of entrepreneurial innovation and a keen sense for identifying and capitalizing on market opportunities. Beyond his role as the CEO and Co-Founder of Luxity, Luke’s portfolio includes several successful business ventures across various industries, reflecting his diverse business acumen and his capability to drive change in different contexts.

One of Luke’s notable ventures is B Online, a digital marketing agency he co-founded. The company continues to thrive today with a team of 13. B Online has a rich clientele including prestigious organizations such as The World Palliative Care Organisation, Hospice & Palliative Care Association, and the Actuarial Society of South Africa. This demonstrates Luke’s proficiency in the digital marketing space and his ability to cater to high-profile clients across different sectors.

In addition to B Online, Luke co-founded two tech-driven startups, ReMe and HiCarByeCar, which sought to disrupt their respective industries. These ventures show Luke’s aptitude for leveraging technology to create innovative solutions, further validating his entrepreneurial prowess.

During the pandemic, when the hospitality industry faced unprecedented challenges, Luke stepped in with another innovative solution – YourTable. Co-founding this concept, he provided much-needed support for hospitality workers who had lost their jobs. This venture, born out of a crisis, testifies to Luke’s empathetic leadership and his ability to adapt and respond effectively to the market’s changing demands.

Luke’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2021, he was the winner of the prestigious Grindstone entrepreneurship program. Today, he is a valued member of the Grindstone alumni and often shares his wisdom and experience as a guest speaker, further solidifying his position as a leading figure in the entrepreneurial space.

Overall, Luke Calitz’s diverse work history, coupled with his impressive achievements and his ability to consistently innovate and adapt, attests to his exceptional skills and vision. Whether it’s in the digital marketing realm, the tech industry, or the retail sector, Luke’s leadership and strategic foresight have led to significant successes, making him an outstanding candidate for the Forty Under 40 award.

A distinct aspect of Luke Calitz’s work extends beyond business and into his commitment to social causes. Rooted in his personal experiences and values, Luke’s work in women’s empowerment and sustainability has had a significant and lasting impact on the community.

Luke’s deep respect and admiration for his mother, who demonstrated the transformative power of fashion, has fueled his passion for women’s empowerment. In a society where women often face disadvantages, Luke has utilized his platform at Luxity to uplift and empower women. The company hires a workforce that is 90% female, many of whom come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. By providing these women with employment opportunities, he has been able to give them a stepping stone towards financial independence and self-empowerment.

But Luke’s efforts don’t stop at creating job opportunities. Through Luxity, he has also actively championed causes that directly benefit women and children in the community. Luxity has hosted numerous charity events, including auctions and awareness campaigns. These initiatives have not only helped raise funds for these causes but have also played a crucial role in raising awareness about issues women and children face in society.

Parallel to his commitment to women’s empowerment, Luke has also been a strong advocate for sustainability. With Luxity operating in the pre-owned luxury sector, the business inherently promotes a more sustainable approach to fashion by prolonging the lifecycle of high-quality items. But Luke has gone beyond just operating a sustainable business model.

He has positioned Luxity at the forefront of sustainability education, working tirelessly to inform consumers about the detrimental effects of unsustainable decisions. He has leveraged partnerships with the press and celebrities to amplify his message and encourage more sustainable consumer behaviors. These efforts have not only influenced his customer base but have also raised public awareness about the importance of sustainable practices in fashion.

Luke Calitz’s contributions to women’s empowerment and sustainability are an embodiment of his dedication to making a difference in the community. Through his business endeavors and his advocacy work, he has left a lasting impact, driving change and inspiring others to do the same. His extensive work in these areas underscores his commitment to social responsibility, making him a deserving candidate for the Forty Under 40 award.

A salient aspect of Luke Calitz’s story is his ability to transform personal experiences into meaningful, impactful business practices. His profound admiration for his mother, her love for fashion, and the power it held to uplift her spirits, guided him to found Luxity. This deeply personal inspiration has become the driving force behind Luxity’s mission of promoting authentic self-expression through fashion and providing happiness to its customers.

Despite the pressures of the industry, Luke maintains an unwavering commitment to selling only 100% authentic luxury items, a standard that showcases his dedication to truth, trust, and excellence. It’s not just about business for Luke; it’s about empowering his customers with the confidence and assurance that comes with owning an authentic product.

Additionally, Luke is passionate about mentoring young entrepreneurs and sharing his knowledge and experience. His guest appearances as a speaker for the Grindstone entrepreneurship program, among others, reflect his dedication to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs.

In the face of a global crisis, Luke’s innovative thinking led to the creation of YourTable, directly addressing the challenges of hospitality workers during the pandemic. This flexibility and resourcefulness under difficult circumstances underline his ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

Luke Calitz’s distinctive blend of personal inspiration, ethical business practices, mentorship, and innovative problem-solving paint a picture of a leader who is not just successful, but also inspiring, resilient, and dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.

39. Mia Acutt (Acutts Real Estate)

Mia Acutt is an experienced professional in the real estate industry, currently serving as the Operations Manager at Acutts Real Estate. Acutts is a family business with a long history, having been established in 1851 & celebrating its 172nd anniversary this year. Alongside her husband, Jonathan Acutt, Managing Director, Mia has played a crucial role in implementing their internship program & internal bursary fund. This aims to guide aspiring property practitioners towards qualification & franchise ownership. She utilises social media to share successes & educate clients, demonstrating her dedication to excellence & continuous learning. Acutts is recognized as the longest-standing member of the Durban Chamber of Commerce & was honoured with the Business Excellence Award in Real Estate & Construction in 2016. In addition to her responsibilities within Acutts, Mia actively engages in community projects through Acutts Cares Campaigns, demonstrating her passion for contributing to the growth & well-being of the community. Her expertise extends beyond the family business. She is an active member of national industry governing bodies, such as the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA), Institute of Estate Agents & Rebosa. By staying abreast of industry trends, regulations & best practices, she ensures compliance & upholds the highest standards within their organisation. Driven by a personal passion for growth, Mia is currently pursuing her NQF4 & NQF5 qualifications in real estate. This dedication to continuous improvement showcases her commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments. Mia’s deep understanding of the real estate sector, track record of success & commitment to continuous improvement position her as a valuable asset. Her focus on nurturing talent, embracing innovation & driving growth & success sets a positive example for the company & the real estate industry as a whole.