About Us

Claire Evans - President

Claire started in sales with Intel, winning sales person of the year for four consecutive years. Sales Performance aside, her spirited approach to serving the unique needs of each client earned Claire exceptional customer loyalty.

Born in Zimbabwe, Claire was raised in South Africa, amidst a culture that used natural architectural materials. She developed a fascination for the feel, look and smell of thatching reeds and bamboo. Her love of these things came with her when she moved to the U.S. after Intel transferred her to Florida. In 1999, when she decided she did not want to relocate with the company to cold weather climates in Seattle or Toronto, Claire left Intel and took a job as Sales Manager with another natural architectural firm.

In 2002, Claire opened amaZulu, Inc. to pursue her dream to develop a natural architectural company that would introduce and develop new innovations and sustain higher service standards in the industry. The combination proved prudent and amaZulu secured accounts with Disney, Sea World, and Outback Steak House, soon thereafter.

Applying imagination and resourcefulness to improve and expand industry product options is one area of specialty amaZulu has excelled in. Claire worked with the EPA and a vendor in Africa to develop a pressure treated chemical that produced arsenic free Eucalyptus, received a golden seal from the EPA for the effort. Today, with sourcing specialist, Michael Spitler, the company has vendor-suppliers with unique capabilities in Vietnam, Bali, Thailand, and China - with more overseas relationships in development.

Under Claire’s leadership, amaZulu has been invited to do an Extreme Makeover edition in St. Petersburg and has had products featured on Trading Spaces. She operates the only natural architectural materials/installation firm to be approved as a Certified Provider by CEO IQ and received certification as a woman-owned operation in 2003.

Anwar Latib - Sales Manager

Anwar spent five years working with two of South Africa’s largest timber procurement and preservation industry leaders before starting his own business in the same field.

As owner of a timber preservation plant, Anwar performed every dimension of the industry, working with Creosote, Copper, Chrome, Arsenate and Boron treatments. He serviced many government contracts and supplied materials for projects in Africa and overseas, earning a reputation with the Bureau of Standards for meeting the highest quality performance measures.

After operating the business for 12 years, Anwar sold the company and relocated to the United States. He worked with a competitor firm in shipping, warehousing, accounting and finally in sales where he enjoyed the opportunity to work with every type of customer: homeowner to builder; landscaper to designer; architect to buyer. Anwar joined amaZulu in 2005 as the company Sales Manager where his efficiency, work ethic and product knowledge is a sensational complement to Claire’s skill sets.

Joel Robbins - Warehouse Manager

After serving 23 years in the U.S. Navy as a health care administrator, Joel "Buddy" Robbins, retired in 1994 and started teaching college level technical courses for several years before going into the themed construction business. 

Today Joel serves as amaZulu’s warehouse and shipping manager where he has executed supply chain processes to develop superior order fulfillment and stock management. His ultimate goal has been the implementation of inventory control practices to maintain the highest on-time driver and delivery standards. In addition to improving quality standards at amaZulu, Joel oversees international container delivery and the pre-fire retardant treatment of all products from application to certification to packaging.

Tammy Brunken - office manager

Since joining amaZulu in 2008, Tammy has served as our office manager where she handles all administration, accounting, and marketing management.  She also heads coordination of our trade shows, seeing that each one goes off without a hitch.  Tammy is a bright and conscientious employee, who has already created a good bond with her fellow employees, and is great with our customers and vendors.

Scott Cook - Business Development Manager

Born in upstate New York and relocating to Florida in 1988, Scott joined amaZulu in October 2007.  Scott quickly filled a new position with amaZulu in Business Development.  His 14 years experience in retail and sales with companies such as Macy’s, Hallmark, and Time Warner, along with his dedication to customer service, made Scott the obvious choice for the amaZulu team. 

In three months, Scott converted a 1600 sq ft empty room into a high end show room and design center.  He has a great eye for decorating, and is a hands-on type of guy who can help customers with their projects, small or large.  Scott’s love of our products and genuine character make him an asset to amaZulu and our customers.