By Tanya Olckers
Alwyn Barnardt has been a plumber for more than 20 years. We asked him why he entered the plumbing industry.
Barnardt family Images supplied by Kayla Barnardt
Barlands Plumbing and Construction has been around for 22 years. That’s 22 years of hard work, blood, sweat, tears and taking pride in the work they do across their two branches located in Gauteng and the Western Cape. When a family member offered Alwyn Barnardt the opportunity to work in the plumbing industry over two decades ago, he leapt at the chance and has not once looked back.
Now, he runs his own business and his sons Daniel and Dehan work alongside him as project managers, continuing his legacy. “My sons work extremely hard and well into late evenings some nights to ensure that the end result has been exceptionally achieved,” says proud dad Alwyn. “They enjoy each small detail that needs to be worked out, every floor plan to figure out, and the finished product to marvel at.”
Alwyn credits some of his success to strong family values as well as a deep investment in the outcome of every project from start to finish. He cares about the sites, clients and spaces that he works in, facing them with determination to tackle the problem at hand and come out the winner. He attributes some of his success to the respect shown to every existing and prospective client.
Because the Barnardt family is tight-knit, communication is easy and open. Everything is done with respect, from the first call to the company, answered by Kayla Barnardt, all the way through to the actual nitty-gritty of getting the job done.
“It is through hard working and talented project managers and staff that I can be the business owner I am today,” he says, “We don’t see people as just a client, but as family. Each job is not just a job – it’s an opportunity to excel.”
Alwyn, Daniel and Dehan certainly put in the hard work as they strive for work excellence and top-notch client experience. Not only are all three dedicated to the industry, but the want to help uplift and build the reputations of other accredited companies.
And what does Alwyn love most about being a plumber? “Meeting new people and resolving challenges,” he says. “Plumbing is not just about toilets, basins and blockages. It is about building relationships, solving challenges and applying the skills that took years to learn.”
What he finds challenging, though, is that many people look down on plumbers and the work that they do. “Plumbing construction is about precision, technique and expertise,” he says. “This is why I employ people whose work reflects those standards.”
Alwyn and his two sons are proud of the work they do and support those who wish to pursue plumbing or other trades as a career. “My advice to those wanting to journey in this field would be to attain the correct training and choose the perfect direction for you, whether that’s civils or construction,” he says. “Take pride in your work and follow the rules.”
 Alwyn Barnardt |
 Daniel Barnardt |
 Dehan Barnardt |
Register for free to gain access the digital library for Plumbing Africa publications
