Jakes Small founded Chilleweni in 2004, drawing on his extensive experience in the cold storage industry. After successfully managing a warehouse in the meat industry, he was encouraged to venture out on his own. Starting with a modest 500 pallet storage facility in Pretoria, Jakes laid the foundation for what would become a notable player in South Africa's cold storage sector.

Under his leadership, Chilleweni has experienced substantial growth over the past two decades. The Company now operates four warehouses across Gauteng, with three located in City Deep and one in Randport, boasting a combined capacity of approximately 37,000 pallet positions. Its facilities and food safety programs are fully certified to the highest local and international standards. This expansion reflects both the trust Chilleweni has earned in the market and Jakes' ability to scale operations while maintaining service quality.

Jakes brings strategic vision and a customer-focused approach to the business, ensuring Chilleweni remains responsive to evolving market demands. His leadership is complemented by his partnership with his son, Ivan Sutic, who joined the business in 2013. Ivan’s actuarial training and analytical capabilities have enhanced the Company's operational efficiency, systems and processes. With over three decades of industry experience, Jakes continues to guide Chilleweni's growth while staying true to its founding principles of reliability and client service.