A life built on the housing and infrastructure boom
Sue Moodley is a director of Pluminco Trade, a company that provides plumbing supplies
Tell me about the work you do.
Like all directors I have a full day with the daily running of the business in order-taking and dispatch. My accounting background helps a lot with managing the business, so I find myself doing a lot more accounts these days compared with the early days of the business when the logistics was part of my day. I now have measures in place to assist with day-to-day running.
Are you a plumber?
No, I am not a plumber; rather, I sell plumbing products.
Pluminco Trade is so much more than just a plumbing company. We service all areas where water products are required, including golf courses.
Why plumbing?
My father had been in the plumbing industry for about 25 years at the time. It was only when he was retrenched that we decided to open a business of our own. There was very little money, so it was tough. I remember doing most of the picking up and dropping off of products while my dad did telesales. I was doing invoicing late into the night. But hard work and perseverance do pay off. I always say keep believing and never give up.
What made you consider working in this typically male-dominated world?
Getting myself out of poverty. There was a market for plumbing and sanitary products when the housing and infrastructure boom started in 2000. It was the right time to develop the business.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I wanted to work with people. Today I do a lot of work with underprivileged people — trying to make a better life for those in need, whether it be cancer awareness or a feeding scheme to empowering young girls. In a way I feel I’ve become what I wanted to be.
What do you love most about the work you do?
That I get to do it for myself and on my time, and knowing that I have made changes to the infrastructure of South Africa. We are economy drivers.
What part of your job would readers find most surprising?
I still pick up my kids at 2pm every day from school. Irrespective of what I’ve achieved, I’m still a mom first.
What makes you good at the work you do?
The company stands out from the rest because we offer excellent prices in a competitive market as well as excellent service delivery. None of this would be possible without my amazing team. I’m a team player and I am a big promoter of skills development.