GARRY Lumpe is the sole owner of Benoni-based company, Garry Lumpe Imports, which is the official Southern African agent for Knipex and Wiha German manufactured hand tools. He has been involved in the electronics/electrical tool industry for 24 years. 

Popular with clients and well known in the industry for his sense of humour, Garry's passion is supplying quality, professional hand tools to the local market.

A self-confessed perfectionist, Garry believes in doing it right the first time. He has a great eye for ‘attention to detail' and appreciates a job well done.

Sparks: Where were you educated?

GL: I attended Port Rex Technical High School in the Eastern Cape and then moved to Johannesburg where I attended technical college after which I did my national service.

Sparks: How long have you been involved in the electrical industry?

GL: I've been in this industry for 24 years.

Sparks: When and where did you start your career?

GL: I started my career in 1988 at Christensen Tools - based in Johannesburg - as an internal salesman and worked my way up to sales manager.

Sparks: What are the greatest changes you have seen over the years?

GL: Developments in technology constantly amaze me. It's hard to believe what is being achieved today - especially in electronics.

Sparks: What major projects have you worked on and what is your greatest accomplishment?

GL: In 1999, I started with a company called Saftec and was responsible for setting up a new branch in Johannesburg. The branch grew from strength to strength and became one of the major players in the market. Ten months ago, Garry Lumpe Imports became a major project for me and I am loving the challenge.

Sparks: Have you won any awards?

GL: Yes, my 11-year-old son, Dylan, voted me best dad! 

Sparks: Who has been your inspiration or have you had a mentor who has influenced your career?

GL: I have always had great respect for Richard Branson and our very own Sol Kerzner.

Sparks: What, to your mind, is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry at this time?

GL: I realise that this is said again and again but cheap inferior quality Eastern products are a constant threat. Other challenges include the Eurozone crisis and corruption.

Sparks: What do you enjoy most about your job?

GL: I thoroughly enjoy being surrounded by products of extremely good quality and distributing them to people who feel the same way. A happy client gives me immense pleasure.

Sparks: How do you motivate your staff?

GL: I motivate them by participating - being part of the team - and making them feel that their contribution is as important as mine. I believe that having fun is extremely important and that passion is not only addictive, it is contagious. I also believe in always being positive.

Sparks: If you could "do it all again", would you change anything? If so, what would that be?

GL: I would start my own business sooner in life.

Sparks: Would you advise a person leaving school to enter the electrical industry? And why?

GL: Yes, the advances in technology make this an exciting industry to be in - especially in sales. You never stop learning and this makes it more exiting.

Sparks: What is your advice to electrical contractors and/or electrical engineers?

GL: Don't compromise on quality. The quality of the work you do and the products you use are an extension of yourself. Above all else - take pride in what you do.

Sparks: What is your favourite quote?

GL: "There is a remarkable difference between a commitment of 99% and 100%." Vic Conant. Just for good measure, another favourite quote is "Laughter is an instant vacation" - Milton Berle.

Sparks: Name three things on your ‘bucket list' (things you want to do before you ‘kick the bucket').

GL: Three things on my bucket list are: Double the size of my business; ride the Garden Route; and go to a major international automotive show.