There’s nothing like a challenge. Today one of our industry’s stalwarts got there – well sort of!
When you think of one person being involved with the same company for 40 years it’s hard for most of us to comprehend the magnitude of such an achievement. But for the man himself, the memories of his father’s 50 years within the same organisation was high on his agenda – so he’s 80% there!!
Ron Redman started work with Richard Small P/L on 1st June 1973 and here’s the thing. As Mr. Redman revealed in an exclusive interview to TKBB (which to be fair, he didn’t know was an interview) the boss of his father’s company, G Crane Group (now Tradelink) was a cousin to Richard Small. G Crane Group sold plumbing supplies, copper pipes etc so, in a way, the connection to the renovation sector was always going to be in Redman Jnr’s blood. Gordon Redman started work as a representative of the company in Western NSW before holding a number of positions before retiring, yet continuing to work for another seven years as head of Government tenders – a grand total of 50 years service.
Ron’s longevity can be attributed to many things, many sets of circumstances and so many friends, not to mention a network of close associates here in Australia and Austria. As Ron wrote in an open letter to some industry colleagues today “A few years ago now, I was doing a presentation, as I do, and a customer I hadn’t seen for about 15 years said to me “Ron Redman, you haven’t changed!” Back then, I sucked in my stomach and he continued, “don’t kid yourself, you’ve put on weight. No, I meant you haven’t lost your passion, your enthusiasm. It occurred to me in that moment, that it is the continuing evolution of the Blum Company and amazing product developments that has constantly inspired me to be how I am about Blum – proud to be a part of it!”
I will openly admit that Ron Redman is a close friend and he knows how to have fun – as these images show. He is well known as a man who wears his heart on his sleeve. As with most of us, Ron has had his ups and downs, but his passion and longevity are something this industry needs more of. Dedication is a priceless attribute, it’s a testimony to those he has worked with, and those who he works with today, and equally as important the company, and its values he works for. To his wife Debra and their combined families, you should be proud of a man that so often to so many, typifies what a true career, and how many out there could be, is all about.
Ron finished the interview (the one he didn’t know about!) with this, “I continue to be inspired by individuals in this industry that are constantly filling my satisfaction tank”
Sort of says it all really!
For more information on the company visit www.blum.com.au
If you want to hear Ron’s next speaking engagement on “Work / Life Balance” (it’s a great listen) visit www.kbdiconference.org.au
