Man in the Van

Plumbers know that they get their plumbing supplies from stores that sell them. But what happens behind the scenes. Where do suppliers get their stock from and where do importers and distributors fit into the picture? In this episode I chat with Malcolm Harris of Harscan Distributors, about Harscan having recently been awarded IOPSA’s Importer of the Year Award, and the fact that and that speaks b...

Isn’t it lekker to walk into your local community plumbing store, and chat to those familiar faces who are knowledgeable and experienced to provide you with technical and theoretical support on all the products you buy from them? We’re all familiar with the larger franchise and group retail supply stores, but we can never forget our independent stores and what they bring to our local communities....

When there’s a problem with pipes, you may think that replacement is the only option. Of course, this is an invasive plumbing procedure, that may require excavation that may tear up your customer’s yard. It can also be very costly. But there is another option. In this episode, I chat with my guests, Nevina Govender and Clint Eksteen, about Specialised Pipe Rehabilitation Africa, and the fact that...

It’s a brand that has been around for an extensive time and a brand that many an installer may already be familiar with. And, as a result of their above-floor plumbing solutions and constant innovation, this brand had become a market leader and major role player in the plumbing industry. In this episode I chat with my guest, Craig Miller, the technical manager of Saniflo SA. to delve into Saniflo’...

It’s always exciting to hear about a new brand and product that can contribute toward or even improve our trade and industry. In this episode I have a chat with my guests, Mr. Shaaz Moosa, the CEO, and Faheem Ally, National Sales Manager of geyser manufacturer Supahot. We'll be talking about Supahot’s role and impact within the plumbing sector, with specific focus on the fact that they are a proud...

It’s that time of the year again when the PIRB hosts its annual Champions 4 Charity boxing event. Although there is much glitz and glamour at this black-tie and action-packed event, there is much deeper intent behind it. In this episode we’re talking about the upcoming C4C event, and the impact of all of those punches that will fly on that eve. What is the impact that this event will have on socie...

One of the challenges facing the plumbing industry is the growing gap between those who are retiring from the industry and those who are entering it. We see many second and third-generation plumbers who step into their predecessors’ shoes with slightly more ease than plumbers who are completely new to the industry. To achieve sustainability in the industry, the industry not only requires properly...

One of the challenges facing the plumbing industry is the growing gap between those who are retiring from the industry and those who are entering it. We see many second and third-generation plumbers who step into their predecessors’ shoes with slightly more ease than plumbers who are completely new to the industry. To achieve sustainability in the industry, the industry not only requires properly...

In this episode I welcome back Victoria Armstrong and Jacques V/D Westhuizen, to discuss Findar, an exciting new system that assists plumbing service providers in managing quite a few aspects of their plumbing businesses, and in future, will also assist consumers with finding reputable tradespeople in their area. Man in the Van Website

Our problems with electricity supply has officially been declared a national state of disaster. That, in itself, has a great impact on our daily lives and the economy of our country. Fortunately, there exist innovative technologies that you, the plumber, or other skilled tradespeople, can apply to contribute toward solutions for the crisis that South Africa is currently facing. In this episode I c...

In this episode I welcome my guest, Mr. Johan Van Wyk, of On Tap, to find out more about On Tap as an organisation, its associated brands and services, and the value that On Tap adds to both the plumbing industry and the consumer. Man in the Van Website

Many skilled trades are linked to each other and, in some form or way they impact and supplement each other. In many instances, they are actually interdependent of each other. And so, I am excited to welcome back a couple of representatives of PRAWA (the Professional Roof Repair and Waterproofing Association), and of The Roofing Academy respectively, to chat about new and exciting developments wit...

Spring symbolises renewal, the return of life to earth, and we recorded this episode in the heart of Spring, in September of 2022. By then it had been five months since the upliftment of the National State of Disaster, after the COVID 19 pandemic. In this episode personal and leadership development expert, Anton Venter, and I have a conversation about getting up, dusting yourself off, and embracin...

In this episode I welcome back representatives from Advanced Valves, the largest hot water ancillary product manufacturing business in South Africa, for another conversation about their products and their company, to inform both consumer and installer alike about the positive impact it has on the plumbing industry in our country. Man in the Van Website

In this episode I have a conversation with three representatives of Amalooloo, a pioneer in dry sanitation technology in South Africa. We’ll be discussing Amalooloo’s products, work, and projects, to inform the world about the tremendously positive impact it has on society, and how it contributes to making the world a better place. Man in the Van Website

In this episode I have a conversation with Trevor Cloete, of Seaqual, a Specialist Plumbing Product Manufacturer, to learn about their innovative products and the value it adds not only to the installer and the consumer, but also to the environment. Man in the Van Website

In this episode we will have a conversation with Brendan Reynolds and Nick Joubert, of IOPSA, about IOPSA’s Solar Water Heater Installer Program. Solar water heaters are becoming more popular, and the demand for qualified installers greater. Man in the Van Website

In this episode we have a conversation with Stacey Rontiris and Sandiswe Shongwe, of BluLever Education, an innovative trade training organisation with a with a vision to mobilise a movement of millions of artisans as active citizens, and a mission to solve some of Africa's biggest challenges by upskilling the artisans that build our continent. Man in the Van Website

In this episode I have a conversation with Sherrie Donaldson, of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, to find out more about this organisation and the important role that it plays in not only preparing youth for the workplace, but also assisting both job seekers and employers to connect with each other. Man in the Van Website

The average consumer is not quite familiar with the complexities and intricacies of plumbing, or the extend of technology that is used in plumbing. Plumbers have to keep abreast with ever-evolving technology to remain relevant within their industry. Lagging behind can cost them dearly. In this episode, I have a conversation with Ingo Hamann, from Stiebel-Eltron, one of the world’s market leading s...

If you're a plumber, you may have experienced a problem with supply and demand of plumbing products and materials. This may have resulted in delayed projects and payments, as well as compromised relationships between service providers and their customers. But is this current crisis experienced here in SA only, what is the root cause of it, and are there ways in which it can be resolved? Listen to...

In this episode we have another interesting and informative conversation with representatives of PRAWA and The Roofing Academy, not only to find out more about these two organisations, but also to determine how they interlink with other skilled trade industries. Man in the Van Website

This is our last episode of 2021, and in this episode we will reflect back on the past 12 to 24 months. We'll end this year off with a word of motivation. Have a happy festive season. We'll chat again in 2022. Man in the Van Website

In this episode we have a conversation with Mrs. Cindy Snyman to discuss the convenience and the value of completing online courses. Man in the Van Website

In this episode we will discuss with our Personal Development Guru, Mr. Anton Venter, the value of time and how we can effectively use time to benefit our personal life and our work and business. Man in the Van Website