Don Johnstone is a seasoned professional with a career spanning over three decades in customer service, hospitality, and corporate sales.
Having moved to Plettenberg Bay in pursuit of a better lifestyle, Don quickly noticed a gap between the region’s status as a premier holiday destination and the standard of service offered. Driven by a passion for excellence, Don left his corporate career in 2022 to pursue his true calling—elevating hospitality standards through training and mentorship.
Through his time on the floor, Don developed a “Client Journey Template,” combining his years of experience to enhance guest satisfaction and drive higher turnover and gratuities. His methods proved effective, maintaining performance levels and exceeding targets for over a year.
After observing a disconnect between Plettenberg Bay’s reputation as a premier holiday destination and the local service standards, Don chose to pivot from his corporate role and join the hospitality sector directly. In 2022, he began working at The Fat Fish, a leading seafood restaurant in Plettenberg Bay, where he quickly adapted his corporate skills to the hospitality environment. His contributions were instrumental in the restaurant being recognized among South Africa’s Top 100 for service.
ServUs Pro are Hospitality Specialists, offering comprehensive training programs to equip client-facing hospitality staff with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to build meaningful rapport and deliver exceptional client experiences. Our approach enhances both business revenue and employee earnings, providing a reliable framework for sustained growth and success in the hospitality industry.
Derived from the salutation “servus,” commonly used across Central and Eastern Europe to signify a greeting or farewell, similar to “ciao” in Italian, “g’day” in Australian English, or South Africa’s “howzit,” ServUs Pro embodies a spirit of hospitality and connection.
“I believe that with the right training, anyone can provide an unforgettable guest experience.”
Don’s philosophy is simple: exceptional service can transform a guest’s experience and is key to a thriving business. He is ready to work with hospitality establishments to unlock this potential and create memorable experiences for all.
Don now aims to share his approach with other hospitality businesses in the Garden Route, offering practical training and strategies to elevate service quality, enhance guest experiences, and increase revenue. He believes that with the right training and support, businesses can foster an engaging and energetic environment that delights customers and boosts staff morale, ultimately leading to higher profitability.