In the early 80’s, Joan entered the South African Insurance industry and worked for numerous large insurers in various aspects of the industry.
In 1994, after gaining 13 years of general insurance experience, Joan shifted focus on the wildlife insurance sector and established her own brokerage that provided clients with expert services on both wildlife / game insurance and also tourism related insurances such as holiday farms, game lodges etc.
In the years to come, Joan not only launched a radio show called “afdraai paaitjies”, but also was the Founding Member and Chairperson for SATSA (Southern African Tourism Services Association) in the Free State Province. She was also the 2nd woman to hold the position as President of the Insurance Institute of the Free State.
In 2006 Joan decided it was time for bigger things and relocated to Gauteng. Joan, together with her expert team developed the 1st truly South African wildlife insurance product along with various other nichè products that together provided a one-stop bouquet of insurance cover to not only the Wildlife Industry but also the Tourism sector.
In 2010, Joan founded the WRSA Koedoesrand Chamber and has been involved in the chamber until recently when she decided to hand over the reins to her successor. Joan has since accompanied the WRSA delegation to the 6th annual wildlife congress that was held in Colorado, USA at the end of 2014.