PERSONALITY PROFILE
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the business, I started with a single vehicle, a Toyota
Tazz,” explains Armstrong. More than 10 years later, the
plumbing division has grown and is now well established.
Working in the plumbing industry, one is bound
to encounter different experiences every day. For
Armstrong, two stand out: the first one is when ARM
was the only plumbing company that managed to clear
a blockage at a factory after three other plumbing
companies had tried and failed to do so. Another
unforgettable encounter was when Armstrong had to
climb into a manhole to feed the springs into a line
at a pie factory. After that job, he felt extremely tired,
which was very unusual. He later discovered that the
sewer lines contained methane — a gas that causes
tiredness when inhaled.
HOLD YOUR HEAD UP HIGH
Stereotypes about plumbers abound, with most people
assuming that being a plumber is a low-class job. “A
lot of people think plumbers are dirty and that they are
a specific class in the industry. We are very needed in
the industry and in the community. We feel that people
do not give us the respect that we should actually get.
People take it for granted that water and electricity is
something that one has to live with every day.”
He does admit that he did have some reservations
about becoming a plumber, for fear of what his peers
would say. Armstrong also thought that he would
be judged based on his appearance when walking
in public. “That was a hurdle I have overcome. I am
hardworking and dedicated to what I do, so I cannot
really be too bothered about what people think,” he
says with pride.
INDUSTRY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Having been in the industry for a while, Armstrong finds
that competitive pricing is a challenge, especially when it
is done by unregistered plumbers. Another challenge is the
early hours and late nights, with call-outs as early as 4:00
and being on site until 22:00 or 23:00. Many call-outs of
that nature happen in winter because of the freezing and
bursting of pipes, which then need urgent attention.
Regardless of such challenges, he believes that the
industry is looking stable, with lots of growth and
opportunities for development. He suggests that
children should be exposed to information about
available opportunities in the plumbing industry at an
early age. “Children mustn’t fear doing what they enjoy.
If you like working with your hands, you should try and
pursue that.”
Armstrong also mentioned IOPSA and the work they are
doing to improve the industry. He made reference to
the introduction of the certification of geysers as a way
of moving forward in the industry. The certification will
protect consumers and insurance companies.
WORDS OF WISDOM FOR FUTURE PLUMBERS
Apart from his job, Armstrong enjoys the outdoors,
as well as visiting the Vaal during his spare time and
taking in the beautiful scenery. He also loves water
and never passes up an opportunity for a swim. “Water
is a passion. In my school days, I got full colours in
swimming,” he adds.
Many exciting things lie ahead for ARM Electrical
& Plumbing. One of them is the opening of a new
branch in Harmelia close to Edenvale. This will add
to the Bedfordview branch that has teams operating
throughout Gauteng.
For anybody interested in getting into the plumbing
industry, Armstrong says that persistence is essential
for progress in the industry. He also believes that
having a positive attitude is important. “You’ve got
to be humble and you’ve got to be hardworking and
dedicated,” he concludes. PA
Persistence is
essential for
progress in the
industry.
The Personality Profile is sponsored by Geberit
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
June 2018 Volume 24 I Number 4