ALBUM
Celebrating
60 years
“
Having missed the opportunity to celebrate
our 50th, we agreed to make a proper effort
for our 60th”, said Ryan Rennie.
“It turned out to be a truly memorable occasion
celebrated at Shepstone Gardens in Johannesburg on 29
November 2018. It was about connecting with those who had
made the milestone possible. Client, suppliers, staff, subcontractors,
friends and family gathered for the awesome occasion.
The milestone was an important one for the organisation but also
for the Rennie family. The honour that was bestowed on me, really
by nothing but birth right, to speak on behalf of the business and
the family, was not lost on me. It was a great thing that for just a few
hours we took some time out from the chaotic contracting world and
acknowledged the special achievement.
We had good music and hilarious entertainment. The venue and
the food were perfect. Thank you to Michelle, and her team of Tanya
and Fabian, for putting it all together.”
SOME PERSPECTIVE
It’s hard to imagine what the world and South Africa was like in 1958
but some of these events give some perspective on how long ago it
really is:
◊ Jerry Lee Lewis’s “Great Balls of Fire” was at #1
◊ Sir Edmund Hillary reached the South Pole
◊ The Bridge on the River Kwai won some Oscars
◊ Elvis Presley joined the army
◊ Arnold Palmer won the 22nd Masters Golf Tournament
A WORD OF CONGRATULATIONS
At the 60th celebration, Marco Ferdinandi of Mitsubishi said a few
words about encountering the Rennies 25 years ago.
“Some 25 years ago, I joined Aromatic Panasonic, and being the
new kid on the block, one of my initiation tasks was to go through
an extensive list of potential HVAC contractors who did not support
Panasonic at the time.
Soon enough, I got to meet the Rennie family. I immediately
6 • SHAMUS RENNIE • 60 YEARS • A THIRD GENERATION FAMILY BUSINESS
knew that these people were unlike others. There is no way that such
progressive, forward-thinking, professional people could hail from a
little seaside town in southern KwaZulu-Natal. I thought that all they do
in Port Shepstone was surf and cast bait!
Anyway, to put our relationship into perspective, I qualified for a top
achievers’ incentive trip to Kenya the following year, thanks to them.
Before long, I had the privilege of working for Shamus Rennie. Even
though my tenure was short, my departure to pursue an amazing
career opportunity can be attributed to my time at Shamus Rennie.
That path undoubtedly made massive inroads into my career, for which
I will be forever grateful.
During our working career, we will meet many different characters;
some you would like to maintain a relationship with, others are rather
forgettable, and in many cases, most are forgettable. However, with
Shamus Rennie, it’s unique – I suppose many of you here tonight can
relate to this. Only a family member can tell you that you may be smoking
something a little too strong or ask you if you are crazy and need to catch
a wake-up call – and you actually listen and give it some thought.
I have had an interesting journey with Shamus Rennie: I have been
a salesperson, annoying them to buy my products, I have been a client,
and I have been an employee. I have to admit, no matter what side of
the fence you are standing on, it’s always the same.
They are a little crazy: You just never know what’s going to happen
next and normally, when a crazy idea is mentioned, hold on to your
seat, because the chances of it happening are very good.
They are frank: mincing words does not come easy to the Rennies;
you will soon know if they do not like your idea – even if you are a
client of theirs.
Consistency: Their professionalism, dedication to their staff and
clients, and their incredible humility have always been a constant.
I have no doubt that the Rennie family will leave an indelible mark
on the South African HVAC industry for another 60 years. You mention
the word ‘air conditioning’ to any non-air-conditioning person and I am
sure the name Shamus Rennie will come up seven out of 10 times.
Congratulations on your 60th year – you guys rock!"
TIME TO CELEBRATE
Check out some photos of the 60th celebrations.
0860 SHAMUS • www.shamusrennie.co.za