Remembering Raymond Ackerman: A tribute to the founder of Pick n Pay

On a sombre Thursday morning, the news of Raymond Ackerman’s passing sent ripples of sorrow across the nation. Ackerman – who, along with his wife, Wendy, founded Pick n Pay in 1967 – leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the aisles of the supermarket chain.

In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, Pick n Pay, the company that Raymond Ackerman built from the ground up, expressed its “profound sadness” at the passing of “a visionary entrepreneur, humanitarian and a great South African.”

With profound sadness we announce that Pick n Pay founder Raymond Ackerman has passed away.
A visionary entrepreneur, humanitarian and a great South African. Our country has lost a brilliant patriot who always saw a positive future for South Africa.🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/Io0uunYhAJ

— Pick n Pay (@PicknPay) September 7, 2023

These words capture the essence of a man who dedicated his life to not only building a successful business empire but also to making a positive impact on society.

A visionary entrepreneur

Raymond Ackerman was, without a doubt, one of South Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs. His journey began in 1967 when he and Wendy took a leap of faith and started Pick n Pay. Little did they know that their small store in the Western Cape would grow into one of the country’s largest and most-trusted retail chains.

What set Ackerman apart as a visionary entrepreneur was his unwavering commitment to core values. He firmly believed that the customer is queen, and this principle became the cornerstone of Pick n Pay’s success. Over and above customer satisfaction, Raymond also believed in the importance of setting high standards for quality, affordability and service excellence.

Doing good is good business

Raymond Ackerman’s impact extended beyond the realm of commerce. He understood that doing good is not just a moral obligation; it’s also good business. Ackerman’s philosophy was rooted in the idea that businesses have a social responsibility to contribute positively to the communities they serve.

Pick n Pay, under his leadership, actively engaged in various philanthropic initiatives, from supporting education to fighting hunger.

A man of the people

Raymond Ackerman was more than just a successful businessman and philanthropist; he was a man of the people. He possessed a unique quality of approachability and humility that endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ackerman was never too busy or too proud to make time for others, whether it was a customer sharing their shopping experience or a community member seeking assistance.

A lasting legacy

As we bid farewell to Raymond Ackerman, we must remember not only the remarkable business empire he built but also the enduring legacy of kindness and compassion he leaves behind. His life serves as a testament to the power of entrepreneurship to drive positive change in society.

South Africa has lost a true visionary, but his spirit and the values he instilled in Pick n Pay will continue to inspire generations to come. Raymond Ackerman’s legacy reminds us that business success is not just about profits but about making the world a better place for all.

Images extracted from LinkedIn