Managing director at PowerMan, Jonathan Palmer started in the electrical industry more than 30 years ago when his father asked him to join him in his new project to manufacture and supply low-cost entry level UPSs. From the first five units that were individually cut, folded, drilled, painted and assembled in a friend's sheet metal shop in 1984 to a thriving business that, to date, has manufactured over 25 000 units, Jonathan has had an interesting journey along a steep learning curve. His success in a fiercely competitive market would not have been possible without a good measure of tenacity, drive and ambition along with his unwavering determination to succeed.
Sparks: Where were you educated?
JP: My school years were split between the UK and South Africa and when my family immigrated to South Africa in 1976, I went to Greenside High and then to Damelin where I did a Diploma in Business Management.
Sparks: How long have you been involved in the electrical industry?
JP: We started manufacturing UPSs in 1984. In those days, all the units were less than 2 kVA and plugged into standard wall sockets. It was only in the early 1990s that we developed a range above 5 kVA that required electrical installation.
Sparks: When and where did you start your career?
JP: After a spell in the video rental business, I moved into the IT solutions industry. My father, John Palmer, had a software development company, and he realised there was a demand for an entry-level, low cost UPS and set about having a unit designed. I had just sold my business and he asked me to join him for a while to help get the project started.
Sparks: What are the greatest changes you have seen over the years?
JP: During the 1980s and 90s the market was dominated by locally made UPSs, however, most of the UPS manufacturing companies have since closed down, been taken over by larger companies, or entered into OEM agreements.
Sparks: What major projects have you worked on and what is your greatest accomplishment?
JP: I think one of the most rewarding projects has been the recent roll-out of UPSs for the CLLT (Computerised learner Licence Testing) project. We handled the backup power and electrical installations for the project and carry ouy planned maintenance.
The greatest accomplishment has to be manufacturing the first five PowerMan UPSs. We had some flat sheet metal and a friend's sheet-metal workshop. Each of the units was individually cut, folded, drilled, painted and assembled. Our technician made up the PC boards and we wired the machines and got them running. It was the start of a manufacturing process that has yielded in excess of 25 000 machines.
Sparks: Who has been your inspiration or have you had a mentor who has influenced your career?
JP: My father had the biggest influence on my career. I was sales and business orientated, he was technical and business orientated. He was a rare breed of man that lived his life by the principles of honesty and integrity. I learned a lot from him. Besides my father, I'd say I have the greatest respect for Richard Branson, the ultimate entrepreneur.
Sparks: What, to your mind, is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry at this time?
JP: To me one of the biggest issues is that this industry must maintain high standards. The training system also needs to be looked at; in previous years electricians had to do a three- to four- year apprenticeship, do a trade test and only then could they apply for a wireman's licence.
We come across many non-compliant installations that have not been done by registered electricians. Customers need to be educated to understand the difference between a registered electrician who does work that is compliant and then issues a valid Certificate of Compliance and electricians who are unregistered and whose work is not compliant and illegal.
Sparks: What do you enjoy most about your job?
JP: Currently, it's developing new product ranges. One of the biggest growth industries today is solar and we are putting together a full range of inverters and solar ready UPSs.
Sparks: How do you motivate your staff?
JP: We still have a family culture in the business and we have an open door policy with our staff. We keep them up-to-date on targets and achievements. Financial incentives are in place and are based on the company's performance.
Sparks: If you could 'do it all again', would you change anything? If so, what would that be?
JP: There are things we could have done differently but then everything happens for a reason.
Sparks: Would you advise a person leaving school to enter the electrical industry? And why?
JP: Absolutely. This is a great industry to be involved in. If they go the trade or engineering route they can work anywhere in the world. I believe power saving and backup solutions will remain huge growth markets nationally and internationally.
Sparks: What is your advice to electrical contractors and/or electrical engineers?
JP: Play by the book and don't take short cuts, but work cost-effectively.
Sparks: What is your favourite quote?
JP: "Do ye the little things in life." Saint David, patron saint of Wales
Sparks: Name three things on your 'bucket list' (things you want to do before you 'kick the bucket').
JP: To be involved in the development of a truly off-grid solution – power, water and gas – for homes or small businesses; play golf at St Andrews and Augusta; and visit Hawaii
