Hello
Hey, I’m Garth! I help businesses grow
I’ve spent 16 years helping businesses grow from the ground up to online success. As the founder of NetMechanic and HowarCore, I specialize in building tailored solutions that drive results.
Hi, I’m Garth, the founder of two ventures close to my heart: NetMechanic, a company that’s been crafting websites and custom software solutions for years, and now HowarCore, a holding company with a bold mission. HowarCore is about building innovative brands that empower people, solve real-world problems, and redefine how businesses think and grow.
Entrepreneurship has always been in my DNA. With NetMechanic, I learned the art of exceeding client expectations, navigating challenges, and delivering impactful solutions. But like many entrepreneurs, I’ve also faced my share of setbacks—from burnout to underquoting and everything in between. These lessons have shaped my vision for HowarCore: to create an ecosystem of purpose-driven brands that deliver real value and operate with creativity and empathy.
At HowarCore, it’s not just about business—it’s about building a legacy. Whether through Edumedia’s commitment to transforming education or the soon-to-launch Squarelemon, my focus is on solving problems through lateral thinking and meaningful innovation.
My philosophy is simple: empower others, break traditional molds, and stay relentlessly committed to growth and resilience. I believe in turning challenges into opportunities and creating brands that inspire trust, foster innovation, and make a difference.
My mission is to help people without digital backgrounds build and grow their brands.
History

Before I officially launched NetMechanic, I was already hustling. While still working at Hirt & Carter, I started moonlighting from my mom's house. Those late nights were when it all began, building websites, offering IT services, and planting the seeds of what would eventually become my full-time passion. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was the start of something bigger than I could have imagined. 💻✨

On February 29th, 2008, I closed the chapter on my time at Hirt & Carter. The very next day, March 1st, NetMechanic was born, officially registered and ready to roll. I can still picture that morning—waking up early, full of energy, ready to chase my dream. But life had a little humor in store for me. My first client meeting was in Cape Town, and guess what? I spent my very first day as a business owner sitting in traffic. Not exactly the grand entrance I imagined, but hey, it was the beginning of an incredible journey. 🙃

Back in 2008/2009, NetMechanic partnered with CollegeSA to build their very first website. This wasn’t just a project, it was the start of something big. Over the years, we worked closely with the college, helping them establish a strong online presence and grow their digital footprint. It was an incredible journey, and that partnership thrived for years until the college was eventually sold. It’s a perfect example of how building the right foundations online can lead to long-term success. 🚀

In 2012, we hit a major milestone—NetMechanic moved into Okavango Junction, our very own independent studio. It was more than just an office; it was a space to grow, create, and take our business to the next level. This move marked a new chapter, solidifying our commitment to innovation and delivering top-notch solutions. 🚀

In 2016, NetMechanic made a massive leap—moving into High Street. This was a game-changer, an exciting time that marked a new era of growth and opportunity for the business. The new location was more than just a new address—it was a symbol of how far we’d come and a step towards even greater things ahead. 🚀
EduMedia – Focused on empowering schools in South Africa, EduMedia provides tailored website design and development solutions. We create engaging, functional, and user-friendly platforms to help schools communicate effectively, showcase their strengths, and stay connected with their communities. 📚💻

That period was one of the toughest and most unpredictable times I’ve ever faced as a business owner. It completely derailed plans to implement a new business model, and I know many businesses are still feeling the ripple effects. Overnight, everything we did had to go remote, and while I see now that COVID could have been an opportunity to help businesses adapt, the reality was overwhelming.
Dealing with stress, navigating irate customers, and trying to keep things afloat took a toll. Looking back, I made a lot of mistakes and personally feel I didn’t handle the situation as well as I could have. Tough decisions had to be made, and this was the chapter where we lost our office and moved everything into storage. It was a hard reset, but it also taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and leading through adversity.

In August 2022, NetMechanic unveiled a fresh new logo, marking a major rebrand after many years. It was a bold step forward, reflecting growth, innovation, and a renewed commitment to delivering exceptional solutions.

HowarCore – Launched on November 27, 2024, HowarCore is a dynamic holding company driving innovation across technology, education, and creative industries. With a legacy since 2008 in IT and business strategy, it nurtures brands like NetMechanic and EduMedia to deliver tailored solutions, impactful partnerships, and lasting success. HowarCore is more than a business, it’s the next chapter. 🚀