ASSOCIATIONS 7
Meet Steve Brown
By
Tanya Olckers
Steve Brown takes the helm as Executive Director at IOPSA . We caught up with him and asked him what his plans for IOPSA were .
After clocking in 5 years as an apprentice , Steve Brown qualified as a plumber back in 1981 . He considers it his good fortune to be trained in both construction and general maintenance projects . This experience would certainly serve him well when he embarked on construction , general maintenance , and marine plumbing ( among other things ) – taking care of plumbing on ships and oil rigs .
Brown has a wealth of experience and wisdom to share from his extensive career . “ Our industry is forever changing ,” he says , “ If I reflect over my time in the trade from the start of my career , which is some 46 years , what stands out are lack of adherence to compulsory standards , policing of installations and non-compliant materials . The combination of these three components have had a serious negative impact on our industry over the years . IOPSA will continue to advocate compliance at every opportunity .”
Brown observes that there are a number of opportunities for plumbers , largely prompted by the current water crisis within South Africa . Rainwater harvesting , back up water and the use of grey water are a few of these .
His vision for both current and future IOPSA members is to strengthen industry association engagements for the betterment of the industry itself , extending to all sectors such as import , manufacturing , retail and plumbing .
“ I am to focus on the points we can change and to listen to our members ,” he says . “ We have an amazing staff complement of dedicated people who constantly go the extra mile . 2024 is going to be a tough one as we are going to have to do more with less . My goal is to create stronger regional support , training initiatives , business training , and to allow IOPSA to be the voice of the plumber .”
Supplied by Steve Brown
Steve Brown , IOPSA Executive Director .
“ Many years ago , we did a refurb of a luxury yacht in the Durban harbour ,” he recounts , “ My stance then was that if you broke something , you paid for it . Simple . I got a frantic phone call from the plumber on the vessel screaming that the vessel was sinking . I drove at breakneck speed to the harbour . On arrival , sure enough , the vessel was indeed sinking .
“ The only person on board was my plumber who was shouting ‘ Uncle Steve , I can ’ t pay for this ’. He was planning on going down with the ship ! After getting him off the yacht it was soon found that the crew were filling the freshwater tanks , and they somehow did not close the tanks properly . Every time I see the plumber , we have a good laugh .”
Brown is aware that there are some tough challenges that face the industry , however , he feels confident that IOPSA can meet these head-on and turn challenges into opportunities .
When he is not working , Brown forges knives as a hobby . He also sets as much time aside as he can for his family and grandchildren . He is a fan of boxing and rugby and also likes to read and cook .
“ I normally kick my day off at around 4:00 or 4:30 , which is my time , and possibly the best time to sort out my day with no interruptions ,” he says .
And the weirdest moment in his plumbing career ? Well , it involved a sinking yacht and a terrified plumber who was prepared to go down with the vessel .
He acknowledges the impact that his predecessor , Brendan Reynolds has made and says , “ He is not lost to our industry . He will assist and guide going forward , and I am grateful for his passion and commitment . I would like to thank the entire team for their support going forward .” PA
“ When he is not working , Brown forges knives as a hobby .”
April 2024 Volume 30 I Number 2 www . plumbingafrica . co . za