Michael du Toit

MICHAEL du Toit, the managing director of Power Process Systems for the past 18 years, runs a ‘tight ship' with a rare combination of firmness and flexibility.
He's quick to laugh and he has ‘a way with words' that makes other people laugh, too, and this makes him a worthy personality of the month.
Sparks: Where were you educated?
MdT: As a kid I attended about eight different schools as my folks moved around a bit after their divorce - and this has made me into a resilient person who can quickly adapt to change. I ended up matriculating from Lowveld High School in Nelspruit.
My tertiary education was at the Technikon Natal from 1986 to 1989 (Sales & Marketing IMM) and since then I have attended various short courses in business management, administration and accounting, electrical distribution, and safety and power system's protection.

Sparks: How long have you been involved in the electrical industry?
MdT: 18 years.
Sparks: When and where did you start your career?
MdT: My father, Charles, and I started Power Process Systems in 1993. We started from a 250m2 factory in Duncanville Ext 1, an industrial suburb of Vereeniging. I was the driver, receptionist, store man, tea lady, welder, laminator, assembler and sales representative and my father was the boss. I became the sole owner when my father passed away in 1996. I was joined by my present partners, Ervin Toth and Caroline du Toit, a couple of years later

Sparks: What are the greatest changes you have seen over the years?
MdT: The greatest changes have most definitely been in technology. I remember in the early days there were no such things as cell phones (we had pagers) and no email (everything had to be faxed). We had to cut all the sheet steel with guillotines and drill all the holes manually. Now everything is done by computer numerated controls (CNC). Technical drawings were done on paper with a square and compass; quotes and purchase orders were written in a quote or purchase book. Now we rely on technology so much that when the computer system goes down, the business grinds to a halt because nobody can work!
Sparks: What major projects have you worked on and what is your greatest accomplishment?
MdT: We have been fortunate to be involved in a number of significant projects. The Soweto Meter Move project; Integrated Kiosks for the greater Johannesburg; Kagiso Refurbishment; Renley (Republic of Ireland); and Abasy Monti come to mind. Some Eskom projects have also been substantial, although I truly believe that our most successful moments are still ahead of us.
Work aside, I would say that my two kids, Ashley and Joshua, are my greatest accomplishment! I am constantly surprised and amazed at what special individuals they are growing up to be.
Sparks: Have you won any awards?
MdT: No.

Sparks: Who has been your inspiration or have you had a mentor who has influenced your career?
MdT: There have been too many to mention. I have met - and still deal with - many inspirational people, both in my working and personal life.
When I was younger, life was not easy, having to be dependent on a single parent, and my mother was instrumental in instilling in us a sense of responsibility to do as much for ourselves as we could.
When we started PPS my father was a big influence in shaping my business acumen. However, I have to say that my wife, Caroline, is and has been, my biggest inspiration and influence. Her advice and suggestions are a major factor in my decision making and strategic planning - both privately and professionally.
Sparks: What, to your mind, is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry at this time?
MdT: The skills shortage is a problem, and this is compounded by the sense of entitlement found in many young recruits these days - many leave when they realise there is actual work involved in growing competence.

Sparks: What do you enjoy most about your job?
MdT: We receive raw materials, such as sheets of steel, resin, wire etc, and then build a fully functional, aesthetically pleasing product to be applied for its intended use. The product that leaves our dispatch area is a far cry from the parts that arrive at our stores. The process of building something from scratch is very rewarding. Remember we do it all - fabrication, assembly, paint and powder coat and wire to spec - and we cover distribution, reticulation, metering and control assemblies - all from scratch. Seeing the finished product and knowing what it took, is very gratifying.
Sparks: How do you motivate your staff?
MdT: I keep a ‘tsjambok' in my office. (That's a joke! I really do have one, but it's only for decoration.) I believe in ‘Communication, Recognition and Reward' - and I admit that I probably need to work more on these.
Sparks: If you could "do it all again", would you change anything? If so, what would that be?
Naturally, there have been mistakes, regrets, wrong choices and losses. But it is not one's successes that allows one to grow, it is how you overcome these challenges that makes you who you are. So, I wouldn't change a thing, warts and all.
Sparks: Would you advise a person leaving school to enter the electrical industry? And why?
MdT: If the individual has the aptitude for it - of course. The demand for electrical products and services and the drive to use this precious resource more efficiently and effectively will make for a very exciting and rewarding career.

Sparks: What is your advice to electrical contractors and/or electrical engineers?
MdT: Remember that ‘goed koop is duur koop'. A company can either do a good job or a cheap job - but not both!
Sparks: What is your favourite quote?
MdT: "If you really want something - you will figure out a way to make it happen." - Unknown.
Sparks: Name three things on your ‘bucket list' (things you want to do before you ‘kick the bucket').
MdT: Play a round of golf at Augusta; bum around Europe for six months or so before I'm too old; and learn to fly a chopper.