SPOTLIGHT: Debbie Blatt, Head of Geberit KZN
In celebration of Women’s Month, we are excited to highlight the remarkable career of Debbie, a trailblazer in the construction industry. Debbie’s journey from a novice buyer in the plumbing sector to a seasoned regional Head at Geberit is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and expertise.
" The container was my storeroom and I had a desk off site "
Her story reflects the challenges she has overcome and the significant achievements she has accomplished, serving as an inspiration for women pursuing careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Can you share your journey into the construction industry and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I left school in standard 9 and completed my matric at a College in Polokwane In 1986. Before I was done with College my friend mentioned that there was a vacancy at the Plumbing firm her dad was working at, and would I be interested in applying.
Needless to say I got the position as a buyer, not knowing anything. I was fortunate enough to work under a manager that was willing to train me in all departments. During my training phase I had to know how all the departments fit together from tendering, procurement to cashflow’s, etc. This really set the stage for me in the plumbing industry.
I got a lot of push back from the plumbing foreman on site during this time as they didn’t like to have a female come to their sites. Luckily I am very resilient and hard headed which meant I had to win them over to see that I am there to assist in the projects making money. I am also very curious so I asked a lot of questions to make sure I understood the technical side of plumbing to enable me to answer any questions from the PQS.
This was a 3 year training session at my first job. I then joined another plumbing company and relocated to Johannesburg where my training continued, and I ended up studying quantity surveying specialising in Plumbing. I was able to go to night school while working and got my N6 Building diploma. I was responsible for the monthly plumbing valuations for various building sites in Botswana, Venda, Lebowakgomo and Johannesburg during my time at this firm. Gosh talk about how to see the country…
Some weeks I would cover around 2000km’s just to get all my site measurements done and the valuations in on time. After this adventure I decided to do freelance work for 2 years. This took me to Swaziland and Lesotho. An adventure on its own. When work started drying up, a PQS firm in Johannesburg was looking for someone with my skills. This put me on the other side of the coin from what I was used to.
Now I have to save money for the client, knowing all the tricks the plumbers get up to. Again this took me all over the country from Cape Town, Nelspruit, Bloemfontein, Durban, etc. Another interesting chapter in my life. I really learnt a lot from all my travels and loved meeting so many new people in the industry.
After this chapter it was time to relocate. Off to KZN, I joined Geberit in 2004 in Durban as a manager of the region. Here I inherited a 20” container in Plumblink’s yard in Riverside. The container was my storeroom and I had a desk off site. The Sibaya casino was the only project I inherited from my predecessor and that was nearing completion. At this point in time I knew nothing about sales. And here I am employed as a sales manager for the region. Talk about being tossed into the deep end!
The only familiar thing was I knew how to talk the talk in plumbing and deal with Architects, PQS’s and Builders in my career leading up to this point. All I had to add to my skill set was how to sell. Being with Geberit has afforded me so many travelling and training opportunities over the years. I have now just completed my 20 year at Geberit. I am truly blessed to be working for this amazing innovative company.
What have been some of your most significant achievements or projects that you are particularly proud of in your career?
Taking over the KZN branch and with the assistance from great colleagues growing the branch from a 20 foot container to the over 3000m2 warehouse we occupy today. Our branch is also responsible for export to some of our other markets.
What unique challenges have you faced as a woman in the construction industry, and how have you overcome them?
In the 80’s when I started out in the plumbing industry it was frowned upon for a female to be in the industry, especially on a building site as a trainee plumbing QS. I am a very stubborn and resilient person so to overcome and brush off all the push back from the guys on site was not an issue at all for me.
" The harder they pushed the harder I pushed back "
How do you see the role of women evolving in the construction industry, and what changes would you like to see to support more women in this field?
I have seen many positive changes over the duration of my career in the industry, I think we are on the correct trajectory. The acceptance towards woman in construction has improved tremendously and this is reward in itself to see.
The plumbing industry isn’t really a field that many woman are interested in. Just remember that there are many avenues in the plumbing industry you can take. Don’t think of it as just plumbing.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in construction or other traditionally male-dominated industries
You have to have a very thick skin to be able to make a career in the construction industry. You will always get push back, so you will have to have the ability to fight back and stand your ground. Know your product or procedures in what ever you chose to do, as knowledge is power. It is a very exciting and ever changing career with many challenges and opportunities.
" Never give up! if it fails find another way of doing it "
Debbie’s career trajectory is a powerful reminder of the incredible contributions women can make in the construction industry. Her ability to navigate and excel in a challenging environment is not only commendable but also a beacon of encouragement for others.
As we celebrate her achievements this Women’s Month, we are reminded of the importance of persistence and passion in overcoming barriers and shaping the future of the industry. Debbie’s success story is a testament to the evolving role of women in construction and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
A special thanks to Debbie Blatt (LinkedIn) for your insight and inspiration, www.geberit.co.za
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