Change has come
On June 28, Rietpan Hardware and Building Suppliers officially announced that they will now be known as Buco Rietpan.
According to branch manager Mike Taliotes, Rietpan Hardware is owned by Iliad Africa Limited, a company that sources, distributes and specialises in building materials.
“Iliad decided to harness the strengths of all the businesses it owns under one national brand, hence the birth of Buco,” added Taliotes.
Branch manager Sid Wallach said that they were initially worried about the name change, but now the business as a whole is excited about the opportunities this change will bring.
“The store has been revamped to better the shopping experience of the customers, and new products have been introduced, making it more customer-friendly.
“The staff at Buco will remain the same, and through continuous staff training, they will serve our clients efficiently with a friendly smile,” said Taliotes.
In 1980, Chris Taliotes, Mike’s father, worked for the owner of Rietpan Hardware, and in 1981 he bought the business from his boss.
He then got his sons, Mike, Ellis, Ike and son-in-law Steve Barbis to work with him in the family business.
In 1998, Rietpan Hardware was bought by Iliad Africa Limited.
In 2007, Rietpan Hardware was the overall winner in Building Material Suppliers Category for the Professional Management Review.
Buco Rietpan is currently managed by former Benoni resident and Benoni Northerns Sports Club member Mike Taliotes, and Benoni resident and Caravan Club South Africa member Sid Wallach.
“We are very hands-on manager; we are the first to arrive and open and the last to lock-up and leave,” said Taliotes.
According to Wallach running a business of this magnitude can be very demanding, because they deal with all sorts of contractors and do-it-yourself builders.
Wallach added that the 165 employees at Buco Rietpan have approximately 500 years worth of experience combined, within the hardware and building industry.
“We would like to thank all our customers and dedicated staff members for sticking with us through thick-and-thin throughout the 33 years of our existence,” concluded Wallach and Taliotes.
