Colin Ford, Flow’s new writing studio manager, has been in the communications industry since he was a teenager. He recently turned 40, which means he’s been writing, editing, subbing and playing with words for a very, very long time…
While still at high school he spent his school holidays working as a general dog’s body at Photo Media, a communications company owned by his uncle and aunt. Since then he has written about a wide variety of topics including the military, the motor industry, insurance, banking and the media.
Colin initially studied toward a BSc in maths, physics and computer science. Fortunately, his passion for words won through and he entered the world of writing, which has stood him in good stead throughout his career, and to his current position as head of the writing studio at Flow.
“The people at Flow are so passionate, keen, willing and happy to get on with things,” he commented when asked how his first few weeks had been. “Everyone sees the silver lining and not the cloud.”
After matriculating, Colin registered as a BSc student at Wits. He soon realised that maths, chemistry, physics and computer science were not for him, and left to join the wonderful world of writing.
Colin’s first article was published while he was studying journalism at Birnam Business College. It was a profile piece on a South African music industry personality Blondie Makhene, which appeared in Thandi, a magazine targeted at black women. After completing his journalism diploma he was conscripted to the then South African Defence Force (SADF) where he worked as a photo-journalist for Paratus, the SADF magazine, in Pretoria and Durban.
On leaving the army he joined M&M Publications, a specialist motor industry publishing company, as layout artist, sub-editor and journalist. After six years he was appointed as a director of M&M, overseeing production and retaining a strong influence in the editorial and strategic direction of the company. He held that position for four years before resigning to pursue a freelance career.
The next 10 years were spent writing for various corporates, with specific emphasis on companies in the financial services sector. During this period he completed a marketing diploma through the IMM. The period also included a four-year stint as internal communications manager for Hollard Insurance and a brief spell in the marketing department at Etana Insurance, which is where he was introduced to Flow.
“It was love at first sight,” he says.
After seven months of working closely with the Flow team on the Etana website, Colin officially moved over to the pink side in the middle of July.
“I am having a ball!” he admits. “I’m a bit of a nerd and I love reading and languages, so I feel I am in good company at Flow. I’m also keen to become a world-class foosball player, which I’m sure is not impossible given the level of skill and willingess to coach that I’ve observed among all Flow-stars.”
On the academic front, Colin is busy with a general BA degree through Wits, attending lectures two nights a week.
“Gotta keep the grey matter stimulated!” he says.