In this episode of Smart Money, Richard Mukheibir, co-founder and chairman of Cash Converters Southern Africa, reflects on more than 30 years of building one of the region’s most recognizable franchise brands. From launching the first Cash Converters store in Cape Town in 1994 to growing a network of over 100 stores and employing more than 1,500 people, Richard shares how the business has continuously adapted to shifting economic cycles, changing consumer habits, and the rapid rise of digital commerce. The conversation explores the evolution of secondhand retail, the growing importance of the circular economy, and how Cash Converters has diversified beyond buying and selling pre-owned goods into fintech-driven access-to-cash services. Richard also explains why franchising remains a powerful model for entrepreneurship in South Africa, highlighting the importance of operational support, technology, agility, and long-term sustainability in helping franchisees succeed.