This issue, Stainless Steel Magazine spoke to Bertus Griesel, the General Manager of Commercial at Columbus Stainless.
SO, BERTUS WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
I am part of a family of five brothers who grew up on a farm in the Leandra area. I studied through a bursary from Mintek and joined Columbus in 1995. My first job was in metallurgical services where I conducted failure investigations for the plant as well as provided support to the products that Columbus sold.
The team at the time was small and it was a good transition opportunity from research to “real work”. I had an opportunity at technical customer services, which was an introduction to customer interaction and after-sales service, which was really enjoyable. After this, I moved to sales and marketing looking after Asia and the Middle East, then USA, after which I was involved in management mostly.
I am happily married to Sanet Griesel and we have two sons. Both our sons have also chosen Engineering as a career, which has resulted in some interesting family discussions over the years. Our family are all keen and active sports’ participants.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Creating opportunities and finding a way to make things happen.
WHEN HAVE YOU BEEN MOST SATISFIED IN YOUR LIFE?
Achieving goals, either professionally or personally is satisfying. Developing sales networks and strategies in the global business arena is really rewarding. I was fortunate enough to participate in numerous interprovincial sports events as well as be part of my family’s achievements. I consider this a privilege and am very honoured to be part of these achievements.
WHAT THINGS DO YOU NOT LIKE TO DO?
Laborious admin and long meetings where people talk too much.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY?
Being a Christian, I try to live according to Christian principles, which I consider to be the most important guideline. There were people who assisted with this and it is difficult to isolate names. Columbus is blessed with many good leaders and there are a number who have had a significant impact on my career.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED DURING YOUR CAREER & PERSONAL LIFE?
Be positive and look for the good in every situation! I really believe one should be a “Yes, because” person rather than a “No, because” person. There is no substitute for hard work and never giving up.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU?
My authority at home is completely undermined and dictated by my wife’s two 1.3 kg “KILLER” pinchers (dogs) – I have to handfeed them at night …
Also, I listen to heavy rock music and, to my family’s despair they have to endure hours of excellent music from the Scorpions, Gary Moore and Def Leppard.
TELL US ABOUT BEING THE CHAIRMAN OF SAISI’S INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMITTEE AND VICE CHAIRMAN OF SASSDA?
These are opportunities to be involved in our industry outside the direct responsibilities of my role at Columbus. Sassda has a major role to play in our local industry and is active in increasing the knowledge of stainless steel usage and applications. It is also a vehicle for the industry to represent stainless steel to the government.
My role here allows me to assist in guiding the efforts of Sassda to make our industry one of the best in South Africa. As part of SAISI’s international trade committee, I have the opportunity to manage the information and actions of the committee in understanding the international trade atmosphere. One of the key drivers is to assist our customs employees understand the products that are imported and increase accuracy of declarations.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU AREN’T WORKING?
If I am not working, you will find me doing some outdoor activity such as mountain biking, fishing or golf.
IF YOU WERE TO CHOOSE AN ALTERNATIVE LIFE, WHAT CAREER WOULD YOU HAVE FOLLOWED?
Working in the shipping industry.
WHY STAINLESS STEEL?
It is a fascinating product that is used in very interesting applications where its unique properties and characteristics make it the material of choice.