Delivering a good service
Resilience paves the way
Jochen Schindler opened Yolato last year to share his love of gelato with his customers.
Born in Germany and raised in Namibia, Jochen Schindler is a restaurant owner who, through his new restaurant, specialises mainly in making Italian ice cream called gelato. He is a creative individual and is passionate about food, mainly deserts.
Before opening his new restaurant, Yolato, on 1 December 2022, Schindler owned several businesses, including a landscaping company called Schindler Landscaping from 2000 to 2004. "I have always been drawn to DIY, and I believe I can make almost anything myself," Shindler said.
In 2004, he ventured into the hospitality industry, taking ownership of Auas Game Lodge until 2012. He said this experience brought him even closer to nature and helped him realise his aptitude for business. Subsequently, he returned to the landscaping sector by launching Easigrass, which not only operated in Namibia but also opened a branch in South Africa.
The successful entrepreneur attributes a large part of his success to his educational background.
He completed his master's degree in agriculture and horticulture at the Technical University of Munich, Germany, in 1996 and earned a bachelor's degree in economics.
In his own words
• I love adventure
• I gravitate towards cooking and I have a sweet tooth
• I believe in staying athletic and active, and my favourite sport is volleyball
• I enjoy travelling
• I love capturing moments
Bringing new flavours
Though able to prepare a variety of different meals, the Yolato owner was strongly drawn to preparing gelato (Italian ice cream) because he noticed a gap in the market.
"I missed proper gelato in Windhoek. After being here for nearly my whole life, I realised that Windhoek had good ice cream but not gelato," Schindler said.
The entrepreneur chose his current location strategically, intending to bring life into the city centre with his gelato.
He also added that a big part of being a good entrepreneur is identifying your customers’ needs and meeting them.
"I try to cater to everyone; I want everyone to experience our amazing service and food while having an amazing view of the city center."
Resilience is key
The restaurant owner is optimistic about the future and intends to grow his restaurant business by having more outlets and mobile businesses such as ice cream trucks. Schindler is passionate about giving local entertainers a platform and plans to host several events at Yolato.
His three children are one of Schindler's main motivations.
Being a single dad has pushed him to do his best and achieve all that he has been able to achieve in his life so far.
"My family serves as my backbone. They have always supported me during tough times in all aspects, be it financially or emotionally."
Schindler believes that it is his resilience that has gotten him where he is today and that nothing good and worthwhile in life comes easy.
Before opening his new restaurant, Yolato, on 1 December 2022, Schindler owned several businesses, including a landscaping company called Schindler Landscaping from 2000 to 2004. "I have always been drawn to DIY, and I believe I can make almost anything myself," Shindler said.
In 2004, he ventured into the hospitality industry, taking ownership of Auas Game Lodge until 2012. He said this experience brought him even closer to nature and helped him realise his aptitude for business. Subsequently, he returned to the landscaping sector by launching Easigrass, which not only operated in Namibia but also opened a branch in South Africa.
The successful entrepreneur attributes a large part of his success to his educational background.
He completed his master's degree in agriculture and horticulture at the Technical University of Munich, Germany, in 1996 and earned a bachelor's degree in economics.
In his own words
• I love adventure
• I gravitate towards cooking and I have a sweet tooth
• I believe in staying athletic and active, and my favourite sport is volleyball
• I enjoy travelling
• I love capturing moments
Bringing new flavours
Though able to prepare a variety of different meals, the Yolato owner was strongly drawn to preparing gelato (Italian ice cream) because he noticed a gap in the market.
"I missed proper gelato in Windhoek. After being here for nearly my whole life, I realised that Windhoek had good ice cream but not gelato," Schindler said.
The entrepreneur chose his current location strategically, intending to bring life into the city centre with his gelato.
He also added that a big part of being a good entrepreneur is identifying your customers’ needs and meeting them.
"I try to cater to everyone; I want everyone to experience our amazing service and food while having an amazing view of the city center."
Resilience is key
The restaurant owner is optimistic about the future and intends to grow his restaurant business by having more outlets and mobile businesses such as ice cream trucks. Schindler is passionate about giving local entertainers a platform and plans to host several events at Yolato.
His three children are one of Schindler's main motivations.
Being a single dad has pushed him to do his best and achieve all that he has been able to achieve in his life so far.
"My family serves as my backbone. They have always supported me during tough times in all aspects, be it financially or emotionally."
Schindler believes that it is his resilience that has gotten him where he is today and that nothing good and worthwhile in life comes easy.
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