© Eamonn Ryan / RACA Journal www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I August 2023 33
Personality Profile Sponsored by :
PAT BURKE ’ S 20 + YEARS AS
GROUP CEO OF RPM ENGINEERING
By Eamonn Ryan
For the past 23 years , Pat Burke has been at the helm of RPM Engineering Group , overseeing its remarkable growth and cementing its reputation as a trusted name in the HVAC industry .
Burke ' s unwavering dedication and passion for the industry have shaped RPM into a leading firm of consulting engineers . From humble beginnings with just three employees , the company has expanded to a team of sixteen individuals in the main office and 18 months ago opened a new office in Cape Town , with Burke ' s son , Richard , taking charge of operations .
Burke ' s entry to mechanical engineering stemmed from a childhood interest in car engines . As a 16-year-old , through his father ’ s connections , he became an apprentice at Carrier , a Durban-based HVAC company that played a pivotal role in introducing air conditioning to South Africa . He explains that his mechanical inclination and love for tinkering with compressors paved the way for a lifelong passion for air conditioning .
Burke ' s enthusiasm and dedication propelled him through various roles in the industry . After completing his five-year apprenticeship , he gained invaluable experience in contracting , and thereafter further broadened his experience by transitioning to become a counter salesperson for a refrigeration equipment wholesaler . Through hard work and determination throughout the 80s , he climbed the ladder , eventually becoming a branch manager in Durban and then Cape Town .
However , Burke soon realised that the corporate environment stifled his passion . Seeking a change , he joined Hill Kaplan Scott Consulting Engineers in 1990 , as a maintenance engineer for two years before joining Richard Pearce Partners . This marked a turning point in his career , as he found his true calling in maintenance consulting . Eight years later , Burke took a bold step and acquired his division , forming RPM Engineering Group , initially known as Richard Pearce Maintenance . It began as a maintenance consulting practice but has since broadened into a full services engineering group . Burke explains that the company ' s portfolio includes a substantial maintenance contract with Pick ‘ n Pay , overseeing the upkeep of approximately 130 stores . “ RPM conducts bi-annual inspections and deploys field experts to ensure optimal functioning of HVAC systems and generate detailed reports .”
As the head of the company , Burke has continuously sought out new and exciting projects to fuel the company ' s progress . While much of the work is ‘ bread and butter ’ Burke never loses sight
Pat Burke , outgoing Group CEO of RPM Engineering Group .
of the importance of finding unique and engaging projects that capture the imagination , such as the Nelson Mandela Square project featured elsewhere in this issue .
One notable area of expertise for RPM is VRF ( Variable Refrigerant Flow ) systems . Burke has a profound understanding of these systems , and the company has successfully completed numerous projects , demonstrating their competence in this field .
In recent years , RPM has witnessed significant growth , with Burke crediting it to their proactive clients , particularly their strong relationship with Redefine Properties . Burke attributes his firm ’ s expansion and capability to undertake larger projects to the strength of the Redefine relationship . “ We have established a fruitful and ongoing collaboration with them , working closely with their building managers and facilities managers to ensure efficient air conditioning maintenance and optimal building performance .”
A core component of this success , says Burke , stems from knowledgesharing : “ We offer guidance and training to client building managers and facilities managers , addressing their technical needs .” RACA
© Eamonn Ryan / RACA Journal www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I August 2023 33