Born in George, schooled in Oudtshoorn, relatives in Mossel Bay and a family beach house in the Plettenberg Bay area, Jacques is as local to the Garden Route as they come. His interest in tourism started in high school where he first worked at a local Backpackers.

Qualifying as a registered tour guide at the age of 24, Jacques has averaged an A-grade in every tour guide test he has attempted. Amongst other things, Jacques has travelled to the UK, USA, Canada, China, Bali, Vietnam and Dubai. He also spent 5 years working as an English teacher in  South Korea.

Currently he is the director of an English language school and Travel Company called Xplore English. He is also a freelance tour guide specialising in boutique tours for visitors to the Garden Route