Meet the new manager of Buco Rietpan

The 42-year-old manager sat at his desk, on which files and paperwork were spread around, smiled while humbly responding to questions and slipping in jokes during an interview with the City Times on Thursday, September 11.

Buco Rietpan, formerly known as Rietpan Hardware and Building Suppliers, on Great North Road, welcomed De Klerk to the branch in June.

He has been in the industry for over 20 years and is an ideal example of an individual who worked his way to the top.

One year into his B.Com degree at the University of the Western Cape, his family members convinced him to start working.

Starting off as a security guard, he landed a job at Ferreiras Hardware and Buildware, which was the start of his career in this field.

He had many job titles, including packer, sales, accounts and telesales, among others, before eventually accomplishing a management position.

“I wanted better things for myself in life,” he said.

“Everyone has a dream; it is what you do about it that counts.”

Initially from Beaufort West, he currently lives in Krugersdorp, with his wife Renee, son Chad (18) and daughter Robyn (13).

The dedicated manager stays in an apartment, in Rynfield, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays to Fridays.

On Wednesday and Friday mornings he drives back to Klerksdorp to be with his family.

“If you want to achieve in life, you have to make a couple of sacrifices,” he said.

He does, however, have plans to move to Benoni permanently with his family, in the near future.

He described his position as new and exciting.

“This year is my next step,” he said.

For the following step, de Klerk is aiming to achieve a position in regional management, which will entail five or six branches reporting back to him, adding that he has already built a good relationship with his colleagues.

“If I grow, I want my staff to grow with me — I am nothing without my staff,” he added.

His dream is to eventually have his own business; he would like to have his own little hardware shop and semi-retire.

“For now, however, it is about job security and job satisfaction,” he said.

Despite his love for building and hardware, his heart lies with the human interaction within the job.

“If I can empower one person a year to better himself, I am satisfied — that is really what I do,” he said.

He enjoys talking to customers and colleagues and encouraging them to reach for their own goals.

“They must do their bit in working hard for it, though,” he added.

He said he is grateful for his family who are proud of him and support him in his career.

When asked how he copes with the stress that comes with a management position, he answered: “Like eating an elephant,

“The support of people in my life; from work, my family, helps a lot,” he said.

He has completed many business and leadership courses and is currently studying a diploma in project management through Damelin.

In his free time he plays golf, hockey and, occasionally, Action Cricket.

He used to play provincial and national hockey.

He also undertakes building and extension jobs at his own home.

De Klerk is a collector of caps and takkies.

He has thousands of caps and hundreds of pairs of takkies, which he only collects, but does not wear.

Together with the company, he has plans in the pipeline to enhance the lives of community members.

“People inspire me, because we are all different,” he said.

“I would like to see everyone achieve in life.”

His advice to people who want to achieve goals is to never give up.

“Keep believing that you will achieve your dream,” he says.

Also an animal-lover, he has two dogs, Magic and Charlie, and he goes on spontaneous holidays with his family three times a year.

For his next trip he is planning a visit to India, in December, when he will participate in a local feeding project.

Click here to read an article expanding on the change from Rietpan Hardware and Building Suppliers to Buco Rietpan. (WILL ADD ONLINE.TB)