Ryan Chandler. Image supplied
By Rory Macnamara
With a family background in the plumbing merchant business, we paid Ryan Chandler of Chandlers in Polokwane a visit.
1. A brief background to your experience in plumbing?
My father left the then Boumat group and started his own little business in 1992 called Pietersburg Plumbing Supplies. I was still a scholar but loved going to the shop to help out.
I matriculated in 1993 and thought, “Great, I have a job with dad”, which I was really looking forward to. Much to my surprise, he insisted I get a job elsewhere to experience “The real world”. I did that for around two years and then got a job as an internal salesman, and then on to sales rep with DPI Plastics in 1995.
It was in February of 1997, on my birthday in fact (5th, for those who want to send gifts), after my dad had a heart attack, that he called me to come join the family business. My elder brother Gary had already joined my dad and I needed to fill the void of my father’s temporary absence at the shop.
I had to learn quick, which I did, listening to Gary’s advice and tips along the way. I dread saying this, but it’s the truth; Gary literally taught me everything I know, and I am very grateful to have learnt from the best. He and my father were like plumbing encyclopaedias to me.
I then decided to go do plumbing and had my own maintenance business for around three years, but ended up back with the family in 2005, just before my father sold to a corporate group. Corporate also taught me so much, so much so that many of the policies and procedures I learnt in the corporate environment are instilled in my business today.
The idea of Chandlers Plumbing Depot was born in 2012 and with a willing investor and current business partner, Mike Fisher. Business started in January of 2013 and going stronger than ever! So, 26 years later, many wrinkles, lots of golf days and thousands of beers, with great people in our industry, we’re still here. Thankful and grateful to this industry and her people who have given me so much!
2. What led you to start Chandlers?
Chandlers Plumbing Depot was started on the idea of people buying from people and the opportunity presented itself and was realised upon my return to Polokwane after having spent two years in Cape Town. Fortunately for me, my restraint of trade had a minor flaw, which allowed me to trade in Limpopo province. Also, and very importantly, the amazing response and support we were afforded and still receive today from all our customers and suppliers!
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3. What were/are the highs and lows of running your business?
Highs and lows; wow! Highs definitely include seeing one’s business grow WAY beyond one’s wildest expectations.
Also, the personal growth of staff who find their groove and realise their worth. With that said, I owe a lot to staff members who have come and gone along the way; we all know that our success as business owners has a great deal to do with the people we employ and most importantly, the way we treat them!
We, as Chandlers Plumbing Depot, are blessed to have an amazing team in our employ and I thank my entire team for their ongoing efforts!
Lows… well… not too many if I’m honest; I suppose this goes for everyone really – breaking your back for customers on a daily basis only to have one or two bad apples take you for a ride and not pay their debts.
4. Explain the uniqueness of Chandlers and the type of customers you deal with?
Chandlers is by no means unique but is certainly one of the most service orientated businesses out there – service is everything. I suppose I could also say that we separate ourselves from the pack when it comes to product offering, most especially since we stock a comprehensive range of plumbing, and for a long time now, building material too.
Our combined salesmen experience in both industries is well over 140 years between seven people. Our customer base is a very healthy mix between plumbing and building contractors and cash clientele.
5. Feel free to add what you feel and advice for those wanting to go out on their own.
My words of advice to those wanting to go it alone would be quite simple; keep your admin up to date and correct and DO NOT EXTEND CREDIT WITHOUT DOING ALL THE NECESSARY CREDIT CHECKS. There are great companies out there who are geared to help you! It may cost a little, but it is well worth it!
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