Estate Living Magazine New Beginnings - Issue 37 January 2019 | Page 42

C o m m u n i t y
L i v i n g
radically reduced carbon emissions and energy access, and be
compatible with a transition to a renewable energy future.’ 
As Rhino Wood is a local company sourcing local product, it brings
the additional benefit of employment, affording financial freedom
to many. Andrew explains this knock-on effect: ‘Rhino Wood
uses a locally grown SA pine, which is grown in plantations that
employ many people to grow and harvest the trees, and mill and
transport the wood. Rhino Wood has 12 full-time employees,
and Timbermax, who do our machining, have approximately 35
people employed. Each decking installer has a team or two, each
consisting of about five or six guys.’ And, as we all know, creating
employment in South Africa is vital.
If you’re thinking of having a deck installed, but consider them to
be an extravagance, consider this: a well-built, well-designed deck
offers not only an enhanced social lifestyle but adds real investment
value. Property agents often list them as one of the top factors that
can increase the value of property – especially when you’re ticking
the minimal maintenance, long-term savings and sustainability
boxes.
And while you’re sitting at your deck contemplating the year
ahead, waiting for that boerie on the braai to be done to perfection,
consider stepping out of your comfort zone and grabbing those
dreams with both hands – perhaps you’ll have the answer to another
climate change challenge.
If so, Andrew Prior offers this advice: ‘Ups and downs; be prepared
to feel as if you are making a difference and that your business is
set for great growth. But also be prepared to “dig in” as there are
always multiple factors that you may not have considered in any
market. However, if these factors present themselves as challenges,
then you have to look at them as opportunities, otherwise you will
never achieve the lofty goal you set yourself when you first started
out.’
Tessa Buhrmann