46
FEATURES
Plumbing’s
enduring backbone
For a man who never intended on going into plumbing and
began his career in construction, Mike Piper has definitely
managed to become a dominant face in the industry.
By Warren Robertson
Sitting in his office above the stairs, tucked away
from all the hustle and activity below, Piper is a
disarming presence. With an easy smile and a
casual, relaxed air, he candidly admits that he may
be a poor interview subject.
“I have had some medical problems recently and have
been struggling with my memory; I probably won’t be
able to give you exact dates,” he says.
Upfront and honest, with a warm likeability that
comes only from genuine humility, the statement is
characteristic of the Piper that his employees have come
to know over the past 20 years at Independent Plumbing
Suppliers (IPS), and which customers and friends have
appreciated for decades more in the industry.
“Unfortunately, my childhood wasn’t great. My mom
and dad broke up and I was forced to leave school with
a standard 8,” he begins, clearly unconcerned with
developing the aura of the mighty CEO that seems to
consume many leaders.
Mike Piper photographed alongside secretary
Ruth Jagger in 1980 as he took the reins
at Brittan-Boustred.
March 2019 Volume 25 I Number 1
“I joined the Post Office straight away, as I was hoping
to be conscripted — called up to the army straight away
and be paid a salary. In those days, only one in three
were called up — and I wasn’t,” he says.
At that stage, with few choices, Piper joined a buying
company by the name of John Williams and worked
there for a few years while studying his intermediate
CIS. Shortly upon completion, he was offered a job by
Grinaker and was transferred almost immediately to
Richard’s Bay where he worked as an office manager.
“I was quite happy there. I enjoyed the job. I was involved
in figures. I think I even had time back then to play a bit
of golf,” he explains.
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