About BusinessCom
Swiss entrepreneur Jürg Fuhrer started BusinessCom in 1999 with the idea of distributing fashion trends into the pet industry. The first brand he took on was Rogz, making him the longest standing distribution partner in the Rogz stable. BusinessCom represents several world-renowned brands which now includes their own private labels: Freezack, In-fluence, bePure and Snuggis amongst others. Having aligned their team’s passion for outdoor activities including skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking and trail running with fashionable pet products, they have systematically re-shaped the previously conservative Swiss pet market into the trend-setters they are today.
Their latest state-of-the-art 21 000m² warehouse in Biglen is a testament to Swiss technology and efficiency. BusinessCom is already showing what the future will look like as an innovative supplier and market-leader with digitisation incorporated into warehousing and distribution as an important cornerstone for their future. A computerised auto-picker will shortly be responsible for a large number of orders per day!
Says Dan Schaeffler, head of BusinessCom Marketing: “The concept of fashion is both an obligation and an incentive for us. It is not without pride that we associate the Swiss brand with positive attributes such as precision, reliability, cleanliness and naturalness. The highest quality in processes and products as well as a sustainable and responsible use of the resources used are our credo.”
What is BusinessCom’s relationship with Rogz pet gear?
One of Rogz pet gear’s oldest distributors, BusinessCom became a Rogz distributor in 2000, when Rogz first launched their pet gear into Europe. Today, they develop and distribute Rogz pet products all over the Germanic market (Switzerland, Germany and Austria). Jürg Fuhrer and his wife, Anja, have visited Rogz HQ in Cape Town numerous times over the years to connect with Rogz and its people, as well as enjoy the great South African scenery and weather! They have also been a part of various Rogz Tradeshows in Europe, and experienced many of the famous Rogz celebrations, including the Rogz 20th Birthday celebrations held in Cape Town in 2015. Recently, a close family friend completed a month’s internship at Rogz HQ, learning about the background to a successful pet brand, how the company works, and experiencing its unique vibe and kindness.
What is BusinessCom’s relationship with Rogz Academy?
Coming from a country like Switzerland, from their earliest visit, Jürg and his team were struck by the contrasts between the people, living standards, and quality of opportunities and education between our countries. With every visit to South Africa, Jürg and Anja (as well as several of their close friends) have displayed their genuine interest and concern for the under-resourced areas in South Africa, and have visited the schools of the Rogz Academy.
After a few sobering sights and exposure to the way many South Africans live, they wanted to get involved and offered to contribute in any way they could. Many visits later, they remain actively involved – both in person and with regular financial contributions. It has become a passion for them to assist in bettering the lives of the people and communities who have helped make the quality products they have benefitted from distributing in their country. It remains a genuine friendship, and hopefully one that many deserving people and families will continue to enjoy for many years to come!
What is MyVino’s relationship with Rogz Academy?
One of the activities Jürg has consistently enjoyed over the years he has visited South Africa, has been exploring our world-renowned wine farms. Never one to sit still for long, Jürg and some colleagues launched an online wine retailer called “MyVino” selling hand-picked South African wines in Switzerland. In collaboration with ex-Rogger and wine enthusiast Seb Janssens, they went about finding the right profile wines they could present to the discerning Swiss connoisseur. In 2021, MyVino teamed up with the Rogz Academy for a special Art Project, where drawings by Rogz Academy learners were printed on MyVino cards with each pack of wine sold. “We wanted to showcase not only beautiful South African wines, but also beautiful artwork by learners from under-resourced schools in South Africa. It was a project that made everyone happy!” – Seb Janssens.
The Art Project was facilitated by art teacher Marelize van Niekerk of Elkanah Senior Primary who held art sessions after school for eager learners from Sophakama, Dunoon and Silverleaf Primary schools. These budding artists managed to learn how to outline and paint wine estate pictures in only two sessions! All art material was supplied by the Rogz Academy. The drawings are unique and add a personal touch to marketing the wines.
MyVino thanked Rogz Academy with a large donation to be used for education projects, and special prizes were handed to learners for the best artwork. A great example of teamwork between companies and countries, to benefit all, with great social engagement, and true Ubuntu spirit!
Past, present, future
Says Jürg: “We have been working with Rogz since the very beginning of our company’s journey. We continue to help develop and distribute Rogz products with pride and pleasure. With all the growth and striving of the last years, we do not want to forget with whom we have worked together from the early beginning. South Africa is and remains a heart spot on Mother Earth and the Rogz Academy, which we are happy to support, is a heart project.”
If we needed any more proof that Rogz is part of the BusinessCom DNA, then here it is! Jürg recently celebrated a milestone birthday and requested that his friends and family contribute towards the Rogz Academy as his birthday gift.
Rogz Academy is extremely grateful for the support from Jürg, his friends, and his companies, BusinessCom and MyVino!
Play your part!
Download the Rogz Academy NPO Profile to find out more about how we contribute to our local communities and how you can contribute towards
