Kirk Maddocks

Meet Kirk Maddocks – a dreamer, a doer, and the mind behind the buzzing hive that is iNCO Creative. His story is a symphony of vibrant ambition, playful creativity, and hearty resilience, that was born and nurtured under the generous South African sun.

As a seven-year-old, Kirk’s entrepreneurial seeds first sprouted in the communal garden of his childhood flat. It was here that his imagination took flight, where plastic spades and buckets weren’t just toys, but tools of construction for a grand waterway. This miniature river, a testament to the can-do spirit of a child’s heart, was decorated with care and adorned with dreams. Hopes of attracting adult spectators and charging an entry fee were high. Although this venture found itself more in the realm of childhood play than profitable business, it was not a defeat. It was, instead, a warm embrace of the entrepreneurial journey, wrapped with the lesson that not all seeds bear fruit immediately, but patience and persistence are the fertile soil in which they grow.

Unfazed by this initial stumble, young Kirk moved on to his next venture. Observing the collage of posters on kids’ bedroom walls, an idea sparked. Why not trade on the popularity of cinema idols? With his mother’s YOU magazine supplying the merchandise – centerfold posters of the heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio – Kirk made his first successful sales. For just 50 cents, fans could adorn their walls with the face of their beloved Titanic hero. It was a hit!

His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. During his school years, Kirk started businesses dealing with music and movies. At the age of 24, he launched an events & promotions company called Random Movements. His first major event was a house party at his family home, sponsored by big names like Coca Cola, Samsung, and Ola Ice Cream. The events company had a mobile app and a team branded in lime green outfits. They were featured in newspapers and still have a reputation today as one of the great promotion companies of their generation.

Fast forward to the present day, and Kirk Maddocks, with his infectious enthusiasm and daring spirit, is at the helm of iNCO Creative. This seasoned media maestro has a fascinating tale to tell, weaving together strands of early entrepreneurial adventures, colourful failures, and sweet successes. It’s a story that infuses a warmth into the heart of every budding business dreamer, affirming that within each of us lies an entrepreneurial spirit, ready to leap at opportunities and learn from every stumble.

When asked about the funding and formulation of iNCO, Kirk is candid about the sacrifices he made. He listed his home on Airbnb to cover the cost of the bond and the office, moving into a studio flatlet on the property. He sold his vehicle and bought a VW Polo, which he put on Bolt (known as Taxify at the time). Kirk himself was the driver, ferrying passengers in-between client meetings and after business hours. This was a testament to his resourcefulness and determination, a clear demonstration of his willingness to do whatever it took to make his dream a reality.

Under the vast South African sky, Kirk’s imagination continued to flourish as he sculpted iNCO Creative into a multifaceted masterpiece of multimedia marketing. His persistent dedication birthed a dynamic canvas where web design, brand strategy, video production, and social media promotion danced in harmonious rhythm, enchanting behemoths of various industries. From KZN Tourism to national companies with interests in property, vehicles, and the hospitality industry, Kirk’s brainchild rapidly became their creative agency of choice.

The spark in Kirk’s spirit knew no boundaries; it leaped oceans, seizing contracts in the United Kingdom and Canada. With each successful collaboration, he etched iNCO Creative onto the global stage, amplifying South Africa’s voice through vibrant promotional material and mesmerising content.

Yet, at the heart of iNCO Creative, Kirk remained the embodiment of a compassionate CEO. His team, a vibrant tapestry of young creatives, found not just a boss but a mentor in him. Each employee, including his first from his very own community in Kwazulu-natal, was treated as a vital thread in this tapestry, weaving their individual strengths into a beautiful pattern of collective success.

With a passion for the media sector burning brightly in his heart, Kirk’s journey carried echoes from his humble beginnings. He crafted websites during his years at Varsity College Westville, even as he entertained on cruise ships. His entrepreneurial spirit guided him as he breathed life into iNCO Creative, single-handedly donning the hats of owner, creative director, and everything in between. Today, his dream has created 15 full-time positions in Cape Town, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal, a beacon of hope amidst the challenge of youth unemployment.

Recognition wasn’t far behind. A prestigious award in 2019 adorned iNCO Creative’s trophy cabinet, honoring the exponential growth that Kirk’s leadership had fostered. Post-COVID, the company bounded along, with Kirk leading the charge, ensuring that iNCO Creative danced to the rhythm of their clients’ needs and industry’s best practices.

Despite his remarkable successes, Kirk remained grounded. His humility, a tribute to his roots, shaped his ethos and guided his commitment to uplift his community. He believed in the ‘hand up’ approach, providing mentorship, training, and employment opportunities to individuals from his modest beginnings.

Kirk Maddocks, the exceptional business leader and the warm-hearted community member, has thus etched a captivating narrative in South Africa’s entrepreneurial saga. His journey, a testament to relentless pursuit of knowledge, resilience, and a compassionate heart, is an inspiring chronicle that dances to the vibrant rhythm of South Africa. His tale underscores that with creativity, courage, and a little dash of fun, any dream can become a reality.