FEATURES
49
<< Continued from page 47
“We look after each other. Anthony joined us in 2000 when
we had just opened. Frik van der Berg joined us in 2007,
Geraldine in 2006, Lucille Kotze in 2006, Mike Cresswell in
2000, Mandla Mbokazi in 1999, Patrick Nkabinda in 2004,
Ruben Rambau in 1999, and Warren Piper in 2003, so we
have a lot of stayers here and I have enjoyed it. I have enjoyed
all the people who have worked here,” he says.
Recently though, things have been winding down for Piper, who
says his medical issues are catching up with him and he is
struggling to work as hard as he would like.
“I have emphysema. I used to smoke like a trooper. Used to
smoke 70 a day, but I gave up overnight cause I used to sit
here with an oxygen mask and it wasn’t fun. But you know, it’s
self-inflicted, so I am not moaning about it,” he says.
He still comes in every morning to unlock at 5:00 as he
always has, but now heads home at midday, leaving the
company in the hands of his son, Warren.
“I am very lucky to have a son who is as dedicated to this
company as I have always been. He knows his way around,
and while I am still here and contributing, making decisions,
I have little doubt that on the day I do step down, he will be
able to keep things going,” he says, admitting that perhaps
one day he may even retire, even if it’s just to a small
independent office in his own home.
“This industry has been my life. I used to play golf when I was
young, but I haven’t had the time for years. I have loved the
industry — enjoyed being a part of it very much — but it’s
moving on. It’s cut-throat now. I miss the days when we were
competitors but could still sit around and have a few drinks
as friends. There used to be a lot of fishing trips and hunting
trips. That doesn’t happen so much anymore — not that I was
game for those; I have never shot an animal in my life. It used
to be a lot friendlier in the industry. Now it’s a young man’s
game,” he laughs, looking at Warren, who has been sitting
quietly to one side, filling in the names and dates that his
father’s failing memory fumbles for.
“Warren is ready. I give him a bit of a hard time every now and
then, but hopefully he takes it from where it comes. Really,
Warren is almost running the company. If he makes a decision
now, unless I have a very good reason, I let him do it,” he says.
“This business is my dad’s life. It always has been. Work,
work, work,” says Warren.
“But that’s the thing,” Piper says, “I have enjoyed what I have
done. So much. I have had two lovely companies — Jack
Hobson and IPS — and I have had fun.” PA
March 2019 Volume 25 I Number 1