A PASSION FOR STAINLESS STEEL
Bertie Blom, is an excellent example of a new generation of stainless steel professionals who are set to take the industry to greater heights. Armed with an unwavering passion for stainless steel, Bertie is on a relentless quest to become a driving force in shaping and growing strategic customer relationships as a Sales Representative at Macsteel VRN Gauteng…
Q. Please provide some background on where you come from, your school and tertiary education, and where you first started working?
A. I grew up in Elspark, a suburb of Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, where I attended Elspark Technical High School. During my schooling, I discovered my passion for technical drawing and design, excelling in the subject. After matriculating in 2010, I pursued my interest by enrolling at the African Academy to study draughting.
At the Academy, I successfully completed my Diploma in Structural Detailing. To gain practical industry experience, I applied for a learner position at Macsteel Service Centres SA (MSCSA), where I was offered a permanent position as Trainee Draughtsman. Over the past 11 years at MSCSA, I have held various roles within the company, ranging from draughtsperson to CNC operator, CNC Laser programmer, and production manager across different business units.
In 2019, I moved to our Macsteel VRN Gauteng division, taking up the position of sales representative. This opportunity allows me to utilise my technical expertise and experience in a customer-faced role. I am proud of my journey, starting from my education in draughting, gaining practical experience at Macsteel, and now contributing to the success of Macsteel VRN.
Q. What are some of the key work experiences or projects to date, that you have worked on that have challenged you but also helped to shape your skills, experience, and career advancement?
A. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work on several challenging projects that have significantly refined my existing skill set, shaped my experience, and provided me with a wealth of knowledge that allowed me to advance in my career. A notable project was my involvement in a large-scale structural project for a major construction company.
The project called for meticulous attention to detail and an understanding of structural engineering principles. I collaborated closely with engineers and construction teams to ensure the accuracy and feasibility of the designs.
The project presented numerous challenges, such as tight deadlines, evolving design requirements, and coordination with multiple stakeholders. However, these challenges pushed me to enhance my problem-solving abilities, time management skills, and effective communication.
Another significant experience was my transition to a production manager role within MSCSA. This role required me to oversee the production process, manage a team of operators and programmers, and ensure the efficient operation of the facility. A new and demanding responsibility tested my leadership skills and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
By successfully managing production operations and leading a team, I gained valuable insights into the operational aspects of the industry. This experience not only enhanced my technical skills but also developed my leadership capabilities and decision-making abilities.
Q. What is your current position and how would you describe a typical day on the job?
A. Currently, I work as a Sales Representative at Macsteel VRN Gauteng. In this role, a typical day involves a combination of office-based tasks and fieldwork. In the office, I begin my day by reviewing and responding to emails and messages from clients, colleagues, and management. I prioritise my tasks, which include preparing quotes and proposals for potential clients, as well as following up on leads and managing existing customer accounts.
Throughout the day, I engage in various sales activities. This entails making sales calls to prospective clients to introduce our products and services, arranging meetings or site visits to discuss specific project requirements, and negotiating contracts or pricing agreements. My goal is to establish strong relationships with clients, gain an understanding of their needs, and offer tailored Solutions that align with their requirements.
In the field, I visit clients to further discuss their needs and address any concerns they may have. I also attend industry events to network and generate new leads.
Q. What would you say are the biggest i. work and ii.life lessons you have learnt thus far in your life?
A. Reflecting on my journey thus far, I would say the biggest work lesson I have learned is the importance of adaptability. Throughout my career at Macsteel, I have held multiple positions within the company, and each role has presented unique challenges and Opportunities. Being able to adapt to different roles, responsibilities, and business units has allowed me to broaden my skills and knowledge. It has also helped me stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry.
In terms of life lessons, one of the most significant lessons I have learned is the power of perseverance. Pursuing my goals is not always easy, and there are times when I face setbacks and obstacles. However, I remain determined and committed to my goals. This resilience has helped me overcome challenges, both in my professional and personal life, and has led to my growth and success.
Q. How do you hope to take your career to even greater heights - what are your plans for the future?
A. I aspire to take on leadership and management roles and I plan to enhance my leadership abilities by completing a degree in Management and Leadership from the UFS Business School, where I am currently enrolled.
Furthering my studies will equip me with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in a senior management role within a dynamic and challenging business environment. Continuous learning and development are crucial, as it improves critical thinking and Problem-solving skills. Looking ahead, I aspire to take on greater responsibilities, lead cross functional teams, and contribute to my industry through leadership and mentoring.
My goal is to make a positive impact by implementing effective management strategies and driving organisational success. Through my education, experience, and passion for leadership, I strive to become an influential figure in shaping and executing successful management practices in an everchanging business landscape.
Q. In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges the South African stainless steel industry currently faces and what are some of the innovative ways these can be overcome?
A. The South African stainless steel industry is an important sector that contributes significantly to the country’s economic growth and industrial development. However, it faces significant challenges that require creative solutions to ensure sustainability and Competitiveness in the global market.
The industry is facing two major challenges, which are skills development and raw material supply, which leads to price volatility. The scarcity of skilled professionals and the fluctuating availability and cost of raw materials pose serious threats to the industry’s growth potential.
To overcome these challenges, the government along with industry leaders, would have to develop targeted skill building programmes, as well as intensify efforts to retain skills that are currently exiting the country into the global market.
Although there is no exact science to it, the South African stainless steel industry must ensure that it has enough raw materials to control price fluctuation. To accomplish this, it could diversify its sources and establish stronger local and international partnerships.
Q. What do you consider the most exciting innovations/product developments happening in stainless steel right now and what sectors hold the greatest potential for the use of stainless steel in the future?
A. One of the most exciting innovations about stainless steel is that it is increasingly being used to make structures for renewable energy. Stainless steel is widely used in the manufacture of wind turbines and solar energy systems.
The durability and corrosion resistance characteristics of stainless steel make it an innovative choice for renewable energy. It can tolerate extreme conditions, assuring dependable operations, and lowering maintenance expenses. Its robustness makes it excellent for long-lasting and dependable infrastructure in sustainable energy projects, and as demand for clean energy grows, so will the need for stainless.
