PERSONALITY PROFILE
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and , indeed , share of his experiences . So , he joined Business Network International ( NBI ), which he describes as “ one of my best decisions !”
As with all businesses , what is it without staff who believe in one ’ s own values and what the company is about . Terry acknowledges his team and attributes this to the success of the company . “ Our company builds long-term relationships with clients and suppliers . This is fundamental to who I am and how I like the company to operate . While we serve specific areas in the North of Johannesburg , we will never turn business away no matter how small as that client may one day want a major refurb .”
Being a well-rounded ( not physically ) fellow , Terry spends his weekends in the sun and being involved in water sports . “ I play and coach ice hockey for the ‘ Forest Rats ’ Ice Hockey Club . It is here where I put my water skills to the test , running on frozen water with 3mm thick blades on my shoes and pitting myself against some of the fastest ice warriors in town .”
On a personal note , he concludes , “ I am blessed with an incredible wife , and two wonderful teenage sons , who constantly push known boundaries and make me super proud to be their Dad .”
On the business side he concludes : For those wanting to go out on their own thinking it is easy , I believe that there is a time and place for everything that we do . And when we are well prepared mentally , we can tackle and overcome anything standing in our way .
If you plan on starting your own business , you need to be confident in your plumbing knowledge and skills and you ideally need to get working experience – be ‘ teachable ’ by starting at the bottom and working your way up so that you understand every facet of how a plumbing business works . Being on site , reading plans , dealing with clients , learning to quote , and helping your immediate supervisor will push you forward . Watch business basics videos and read locally-published books and blogs that talk to business ownership . It will include information from registration to insurance for a business and all things in between .
Most importantly you need to understand yourself – what are your strengths and weaknesses ? How is your ability to handle stress , complaints , and difficult jobs ? Can you control your money and the cashflow in your business ? Manage your weaknesses by learning more or get help , for example by hiring a bookkeeper for a couple of hours a month . Know your strengths and use them to your advantage ! Trust yourself , and when the time is right to open your business , jump in and do it !
What does Terry have to say about the future of the Industry ? The PIRB and IOPSA have a huge task in regulating the industry but are nonetheless doing a fantastic job in getting the plumbing industry under control . The reality is that the plumbing industry bodies need support for high standards and work ethic to provide water security and to distribute water safely and efficiently to the millions of people in our country . We must work together to build a strong community of plumbers and transform our industry into something that we can be immensely proud of and which elevates our contribution and significance to society . PA
May 2021 Volume 27 I Number 3 www . plumbingafrica . co . za