Jan Esterhuizen t/as CJ Plumber. Licensed Plumber. Solar Qualified Installer. Johannesburg and West Rand. Maintenance, Solar Water Heaters, Heat Pumps and drainage.
Why plumbing?
Growing up I was told that I could do whatever I set my mind to. That I could “be” anything. There may have been some truth in that but it posed serious challenges when it was time to decide on a career because I didn’t know myself well enough to make that choice.
I dropped out of university, yet ended up doing very well in the insurance industry. However, after several years I found that something was missing. I wasn’t satisfied with the challenges or with my contribution.
During this time I was often at the mercy of yet another rough looking individual, who seemed to be taking advantage of me, every time I had a plumbing emergency. A problem that I didn’t know how to solve, would cost several hundred rand to repair and there was never a clear indication of what needed to be done and why it cost as much as it did. I felt vulnerable on every occasion that I needed to call on the services of a plumber.
Changes in the insurance industry and the country in terms of the employment landscape made me consider a career change. I wanted to be able to offer something concrete to my fellow man, something that represented a fair exchange, and I wanted to be self-employed. I decided to become the plumber that would treat customers as I had always wanted to be treated.
Nobody would hire a thirty year old as an apprentice and I had to start my own business and employ a qualified tradesman to mentor me whilst I gained the necessary work experience and training in order to qualify as a plumber.
I completed my trade test and solar qualifications in 2010 and we frequently attend IOPSA sanctioned events for CPD (continuous professional development) points, to keep abreast of the latest trends in our industry.
Today we employ a thirty-something year old apprentice, who shares our vision of fair exchange and we communicate the jobs scope and pricing with our customers. We provide our contact number on a fridge magnet and you always know what you are paying for and why. Eskom rebates are gone but we still provide solar geysers, expertly installed, at prices that larger companies with higher overheads, cannot compete with.
Plumbers and Solar Thermal Installers
