Ryan Rolfe calls it a day
NEWS 7
By
Rory Macnamara
After 33 years at Kwikot , now Electrolux , Ryan Rolfe , managing director has retired . Ryan , a well-known figure in plumbing circles , epitomised the ‘ man ’ s man ’, was seen at almost every event , spoke his mind , but never in anger as he believed the best way to resolve issues was to sit and discuss .
After school his father told him to get a job which he promptly did . Joining the SA Airforce in the technical division he spent seven years rising to the rank of sergeant . A time he enjoyed but enough was enough . After leaving the air force he joined his father ’ s building business but that was not for him and he applied for a position as junior salesperson with Kwikot . Slowly climbing the ranks of sales positions to his position as Managing Director . Ryan was appointed to this position a month after Kwikot was acquired by Electrolux some three years ago .
holes to moan about . Plumbing is essential .” What is your greatest achievement during your tenure at Kwikot , without hesitation he responds , “ The very low turnover of our sales staff , they took to the relationship building element and saw the benefits reaped from treating people like people .”
Ryan concludes , “ I think that the industry is really a great industry , and the people in the industry must understand that people make the industry . Don ’ t cut the corners , don ’ t forget that everyone in the industry must make money , not just the plumber , not just the merchant , not just the manufacturer – look after the industry , all industries have problems , but this industry is really a good industry and there is enough for everybody to go around . If you look after it you will enjoy this industry , and it will look after you . PA
" Don ’ t cut the corners , don ’ t forget that everyone in the industry must make money ."
What drives Ryan we asked ? The thrill of the chase he responded referring to the sales environment . Not a subscriber to the ‘ ask for the order ’ philosophy he believes more in the tried and tested process of selling which is building up a relationship , offering solutions and face to face and then asking for the order and getting it !
Many today may scoff at this when technology has changed , as have attitudes toward selling what with online purchasing and the electronic environment . But he cautions , with the business we are in , we are selling potentially dangerous goods in terms of geysers if not installed correctly . The Benchmark Training course , a Kwikot initiative , is SAQA accredited and now gains three CPD points from PIRB , ensuring plumbers receive the correct training . Such is the commitment of Kwikot to the industry and plumbers .
What message to the industry at large ? “ Make plumbing your own – keep away from the whingers and stop looking for
Plumbing Africa
Ryan Rolfe
January 2021 Volume 26 I Number 11 www . plumbingafrica . co . za