The Founder Files · 2025-10-20 · 1h 30m
How do you scale a business without selling out its soul? In this episode of The Founder Files, we sit down with Andrew Nel, co-owner of Frankie Fenner Meat Merchant, the Cape Town butchery redefining what ethical meat means in South Africa. From leaving a stable career in finance to leading one of the country’s most respected food brands, Andrew shares the raw realities of building a purpose-driven business in an industry known for its shortcuts. He opens up about how Frankie Fenner survived the chaos of COVID, what it takes to grow without losing quality, and the personal cost of entrepreneurship; from ownership transitions and burnout to rediscovering purpose. This is a masterclass in building with integrity, resilience, and heart. We dive into: • How Frankie Fenner redefined South Africa’s meat industry • The leap from finance to food and finding meaning in work • Surviving COVID through innovation and community support • The realities of co-founder transitions and leadership trust • Balancing growth, guilt, and the grind of entrepreneurship This episode is packed with lessons for founders on scaling sustainably, protecting your values, and leading with purpose.
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