Meet the Management Team
Navigating the Future of Business Together
About the Group
Leading Our Teams By Example
With over three decades of experience and a portfolio of over 6 000 unique clients, we have not just witnessed the evolution of business technology, we have been dedicated to embrace the latest technology and lead our clients towards the best-suited solutions. Today, we stand at the intersection of proven expertise and the new cloud era, helping our clients transition from legacy systems to agile, future-proof digital environments.
Rico Ferreira
Managing Director - Preferred Solutions Group
I started my career in the Accounting Software, Value Added Reseller and Consulting industry in 2000 after 14 years in the corporate environment, where I dedicated myself in a range of financial positions.
"My personal beliefs, when doing business, is to be honest in all things and not make money the ultimate goal."
Our dedication and passion to do business in the right, honest way and commitment to working hard, smart and always give a service that benefits the customer, have been key factors in the success of Preferred Solutions. Additionally, investing in top class staff and not being afraid to trust, delegate and train these individuals, has been the cornerstones of expanding the business and build excellent relationships with our clients.
My personal beliefs, when doing business, is to be honest in all things and not make money the ultimate goal. Do not sell your values. Be fair, but also take a stand when necessary. Take responsibility for whatever task you must perform and do your very best.
My advice to clients looking at accounting software is to invest in the future. View your financial and management software as tools that can optimise your business, save you money and make you sleep better at night. Do not sell future rewards for a small saving now.
To sum Innovations up in a few words: The name Innovations is synonymous with dedication, smart work, value and values.
Sally Roux
Operations Director - Preferred Solutions Group
I joined Preferred Solutions in 1996, when the company was still known as Mostell Computers. What began nearly three decades ago has grown into a lifelong passion for both technology and people.
"At Preferred Solutions we are a team first. We communicate openly, we support one another, and we operate very much like a family. "
My career started in the agrochemical industry, where I worked my way up from a filing clerk to a Systems Controller. During that time, I was responsible for month-end processes, user training, and supporting the SYSPRO system. It was there that I discovered two things that would shape my future: a love for business systems and a genuine love for working with people.
When it comes to business values, I firmly believe that a company is its people. At Preferred Solutions we are a team first. We communicate openly, we support one another, and we operate very much like a family. That sense of unity and mutual respect is not accidental. It is something we intentionally protect and nurture.
On the client side, our philosophy is the same. Our customers are the reason we exist, and we take that responsibility seriously. Integrity is at the heart of everything we do. If we make a mistake, we own it. If something takes longer than expected, we communicate it. We believe honesty and transparency build the kind of long-term partnerships that truly matter.
My advice to clients is always to start with clarity. Before implementing business software, take the time to understand your own needs. Be introspective. Identify what will genuinely improve your business and take ownership of that vision. As consultants, we can guide, advise and go above and beyond, but true success happens when clients set the direction and partner with us to achieve it.
To summarise Preferred Solutions Group in a few words: We are a people-driven business with a strong desire to go above and beyond. We value integrity, loyalty and honest communication with both our team and our clients.
At the end of the day, we do not manufacture products. We work with people, and that makes all the difference.
Wilna Ferreira
Group Admin Manager
I joined Preferred Solutions in July 2002, back when we were a team of only nine people. Because we were so small, I handled everything from reception and quotes to invoicing and payroll.
"I believe that even when the truth is hard, people respect you for it."
This “all-hands-on-deck” environment was the best learning experience I could have asked for; it taught me exactly how every department impacts the next. It was this deep exposure to the inner workings of the business that allowed me to fine-tune the administrative processes we still rely on today.
A defining moment in my career was our 2002 shift to Sage Evolution. Living by our motto, “you eat your own dog food,” we mastered the new system from scratch. Rico and Sally would figure out the processes, and I would take the notes to train the rest of the team. As the company grew, so did my role – moving from Admin Manager in 2007 to overseeing HR in 2018, and ultimately stepping into the role of Group Admin Manager in 2024.
My personal approach to business is built on a foundation of honesty and reliability. I believe that even when the truth is hard, people respect you for it. Being honest with customers, even if it means admitting a mistake, gives them the peace of mind that they can always rely on you to have their best interests at heart.
I also believe in the importance of being able to step back and evaluate situations with “clinical eyes” before bringing the human factor into account. My main philosophy is to keep things simple; don’t overcomplicate processes unnecessarily, and always try to follow the principle rather than just the rule.
When it comes to advice for clients, my message is simple: Don’t pretend to be something you’re not. Let your values guide you on both a business and personal level when interacting with your customers and your staff.
To summarize Preferred Solutions Group, the name speaks for itself. Why should companies struggle to be the best they can be? We are here to offer the right guidance and the products that help our clients become the best in the market and share their success with the world.
Johan Marais
Group Business Strategist
Growing up near Cape Town, I discovered my entrepreneurial spirit early on. As a child, I was always buzzing with new ideas and excitedly crafting products to sell.
"My main rule is that when you love what you do, you don’t work a day in your life."
After school, I opened a Home Industry Shop where I sold baked goods and home décor sculptures. Initially, I pursued Graphic Design at the Central University of Technology, but my path shifted to study Business Management at Fulham College in London.
Returning to South Africa in 2012, I began my journey with Preferred Solutions Group as a receptionist at our Cape Town branch. My natural curiosity led me into sales administration, where I quickly immersed myself in our products and clients. My efforts led to roles as Assistant Sales Manager and eventually Sales Manager, where I was proud to help position Preferred Solutions as the top Sage Reseller in South Africa.
This journey eventually took me to Gauteng to drive regional growth, where I stepped into the role of Area Manager and co-founded Mzansi Experience and Summit 7 Marketing. Today, as the Group Business Strategist, I oversee our long-term strategy, fueled by the belief that a company is only as good as its people.
When it comes to my personal business beliefs, passion plays a key role. I always tell people, “You have to love what you do.” My main rule is that when you love what you do, you don’t work a day in your life. I encourage curiosity, open-mindedness, and a commitment to learning, seeing mistakes not as failures but as opportunities for growth.
For clients navigating the business landscape and considering software solutions, my advice is simple: “There’s a difference between want and need; compare apples with apples. Don’t just think about the present—technology is evolving faster than ever, so choose a product that can adapt over time.”
In summary, I truly believe Preferred Solutions Group represents “a group of experienced people working together to look after our clients with passion, friendliness, and dedication.” My journey from receptionist to Group Business Strategist reflects my dedication and expertise, which are values that underscore the teamwork and continuous learning that I champion every day.
Jenny Huxter
General Manager: Western Cape
I joined Preferred Solutions on 1 April 2003. It was April Fool’s Day, which was quite an interesting start to a journey that has now lasted over two decades.
"I believe in being helpful and going the extra mile, which is a value that flows through our entire team."
I began my career in consulting, cutting my teeth on Pastel Partner Version 6. Over the years I moved from consulting into a support role, before transitioning into my current position in sales. This path has given me a comprehensive understanding of the industry, as I have been on both the delivery and the client-facing sides of the business.
My personal approach to business is rooted in a strong work ethic and the belief that you must be passionate about what you do. At Preferred Solutions we succeed because we truly care about the businesses we help. I believe in being helpful and going the extra mile, which is a value that flows through our entire team. We do not just sell software; we provide solutions that we genuinely believe will make a difference to our clients’ daily operations.
When it comes to advice for clients, I always suggest looking beyond the immediate price tag. Business software is an investment in your future efficiency, so it is vital to choose a business partner and a product that can grow with you. My experience in both support and sales has shown me that the most successful installations happen when a client chooses a solution based on long-term value and reliability rather than just the initial cost.
To summarise Preferred Solutions Group in a few words: We are a team that works together with incredible heart. Our very low staff turnover speaks to how happy the people are here, and that happiness translates into better service for our clients. We believe in a balanced life, ensuring our team has time for their families and interests outside of work. This focus on balance is one of the many things that makes us different, as a supported and happy team is ultimately a more dedicated one.
Nic Swart
General Manager: Western Cape
I joined Preferred Solutions in November 2007. My career began with a foundation in accounting at an audit firm which provided me with a deep understanding of the financial mechanics behind a business.
"For me, it is about honesty and always putting the best interests of the client first."
I initially worked as an Evolution Consultant but as the technology and needs of our clients changed, I transitioned into more technical territory. Today my focus is on board, script and report writing where I help turn complex data into meaningful insights for our clients.
Growing alongside this company for nearly two decades has been a significant journey. My personal beliefs align closely with the core values of Preferred Solutions Group. For me, it is about honesty and always putting the best interests of the client first. There have been many times where we have told a potential client that our product is not the right fit for them and suggested an alternative. We prioritise long-term success over making a quick sale. That integrity is what contributes most to our reputation and longevity.
If I could offer one piece of advice to clients regarding their business software, it would be to keep things simple. It is very easy to over-complicate a system until it becomes a bottleneck rather than a tool. I often recommend Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central because of its efficiency and modern capabilities. Do not feel the need to use every feature just because it is available. Instead, focus on the tools that truly streamline your specific operations.
To summarise Preferred Solutions Group in a few words: We are one big family. Like any family we have our ups and downs, but we experience them together. We are a close-knit team that supports one another and our clients with the same level of care.
Rudi Pheiffer
Branch Manager: Gauteng
I joined Preferred Solutions in 2018, bringing with me a career that began in the audit world at Coopers and Lybrand, which is now known as PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
"When the value outweighs the price, that is when you have found the perfect solution for your business."
During my articles, I realised my interests lay more in consulting than auditing, which led me to become a Pastel Consultant. After spending seven years at PwC, I moved to Gauteng and joined the team at Sage back when it was still called Softline. My time there allowed me to work through the ranks from telephone support and internal training to becoming the National Channel Manager. This background gave me a unique perspective on the industry before I eventually made the move to Preferred Solutions.
My personal approach to business is centered on the idea of being a partner rather than just a provider. I believe that if you want to be successful you must be more than a salesperson; you need to be a trusted advisor. To me, business is about delivering value that exceeds the cost. My contribution to the success of Preferred Solutions is built on this foundation of reliability and expertise. I aim to ensure that our clients feel supported at every step and know that we are genuinely invested in their growth.
When it comes to advice for clients regarding business software, I always emphasise looking at the added value. It is easy to get caught up in the initial price of a system, but the real question is how that software will benefit your business in the long run. My goal is to get to a point where the client feels they are getting far more out of the system than what they are paying for it. When the value outweighs the price, that is when you have found the perfect solution for your business.
To summarise Preferred Solutions Group in a few words: We are a family of like-minded people. For everyone involved here, I honestly believe it is about the client and the service we deliver. We rely on each other and knowing that someone always has your back is what makes this a true family. It does not matter who you are or where you are in the company; there is a shared commitment to doing our best for the people we serve.
Erika Boshoff
General Manager: Innovations
My journey with data began in the early 1990s on a Simmentaler stud farm near the Botswana border. Managing birth records in such a unique environment taught me the vital importance of accurate systems from the start.
"I believe that honesty and hard work remain the most important values in business."
These lessons led me to study Financial Management at the University of Pretoria before joining Preferred Solutions as an ERP consultant in 2005. After a thirteen-year tenure as a Financial and IT Manager for one of my clients, I returned to the group in 2022. I now focus on bringing that practical real-world management experience back into our consulting and project delivery.
I believe that honesty and hard work remain the most important values in business. At Innovations we take pride in standing by our word and being upfront with our clients about the solutions we provide. I care deeply about building strong relationships because no system can be successful without a foundation of trust. My goal is to help our clients run better businesses by being a partner they can rely on for integrity and transparency.
When advising clients on business software, I always encourage them to view an ERP system as a strategic investment rather than a cost. The right software is an asset that enables better decision making and reduces long-term risk. I aim to give management teams total confidence in their data for the future. When you prioritise the long-term benefit of a system, you create a solid foundation for growth.
To summarise Preferred Solutions Group and Innovations: We are about people, trust and solutions that make a real difference. We value the human element of technology and remain dedicated to service that truly improves the businesses we serve.
Leon Steyn
Director: Summit 7 Marketing & Mzansi Experience
I joined the Preferred Solutions Group in 2015, at the start of the digital era when in-person sales and marketing activities started making way for online marketing and advertising.
"We have a culture where we go out of our way to assist each other towards a common goal."
After graduating from university 10 years before, I shaped my career in various marketing roles dealing mostly with the international market, including retail and luxury travel. I found a home at Preferred Solutions Group as their business acumen and values strongly resembles my personal beliefs: Honest business, transparency and genuine interest in our clients.
Teamwork makes dreamwork! Each individual team member brings their unique skills, personality and aptitude to the table, making Preferred Solutions Group a dynamic collective. We have a culture where we go out of our way to assist each other towards a common goal – delivering the best service and results to our valued clients.
As learned from my mentors (in a large part Rico and Sally), I firmly believe in leading by example and staying on top of the latest trends and developments in the industry. This enables me to give valuable contributions to our clients and find the right solution for their very specific needs. At Preferred Solutions Group (and all companies it consists of), we leave no stone unturned.
My advice to clients is that an online presence (like a website on online store) and proper marketing is a vital component to the success of every modern business. It is not an expense; it is an investment. And when done correctly, the returns can be phenomenal. Do not build your business without a proper marketing presence or strategy.
To summarise Preferred Solutions Group in a few words: You will go a very long way to find a group of people who are genuinely interested in providing the best solutions for our clients – like we do. We value long-term relationships more than making a quick sale, and honesty above simply generating revenue. We know that success does not happen overnight and we are there to walk the journey with you.