Lowveld Canvas opened its doors in the early 1960s, and was originally called SA Canvas. “It changed hands a few times until my dad Gerhard bought the company in 1996,” says Duanne. “To incorporate all the neighbouring towns in our area, he changed the name to Lowveld Canvas. He proudly operated it for 26 years. I took over approximately eight years after the day I first started working there.”
During this time, Duanne’s dad taught him not only about how the company should be run, but also how to always listen first, and most importantly, how to conduct himself in business. “I can honestly say the best way to ensure a successful working relationship with your parents is extremely easy. Apart from the basic company rules, you only need to follow these three simple steps: listen, do the work and then raise your opinion afterward. In that order.”
Duanne purchased the company two months before Covid and the subsequent lockdown. Not the greatest timing, but unavoidable. “I must say, I missed my father’s day-to-day support a lot during those days, especially with all the Covid rules and regulations, and the tough economic times felt by us and everyone else in the country. My father was a very strict but also very fair boss. There wasn’t a grey area with him. It was either black or white. I have to add that my mother later put my mind at ease by saying that she had also been keeping an eye on me, but trusted I could manage. That was a real sign of respect.”
I love my father for many reasons, but I am especially grateful for all the knowledge he passed on to me. He taught me the value of being focused on quality, which is something we have always been proud of.
Duanne’s father always said if the business was not performing as it should, you first have to look for the mistake within the company. Duanne and his management team, Frank Fouché and Sharon van der Merwe, went through every aspect of the company, leaving no stone unturned when it came to ideas to help the company grow. “With a combined experience of 70 years, it really is a case of three heads being better than one,” he smiles. “I love my father for many reasons, but I am especially grateful for all the knowledge he passed on to me. He taught me the value of being focused on quality, which is something we have always been proud of.”
Duanne says his BComm degree has come in handy on more than one occasion when it came to implementing new ideas. “My vision was to modernise and to introduce new products without compromising on our quality. At first, I made minor changes, such as testing the market with a reasonable budget. This helped me to identify our top sellers in the process and helped us to modernise and improve our products. Examples of these are our patio blinds and pool covers, and retractable fold-arm awnings, among others. I also introduced more luxurious materials, as well as cheaper yet more durable ones to our catalogues, to cater to all budgets and tastes.”
Duanne’s passion for Lowveld Canvas comes down to the fact that he loves working with people, especially when designing and manufacturing a positive add-on to their houses or vehicles. He smiles as he says his
most rewarding project but also biggest challenge is the tented camps. “We were recently published on the front page of a very popular German magazine for the luxury tents we installed at Elephant Points,” he adds proudly.
“My wife, Nanda, my greatest support and mum to our two-year-old jewel, Eliana, always reminds me that it’s not only the big wins that make an impact, but all the smaller ones that end up being the most valuable. When I think back to the days I worked with my father, I’m reminded about the simple things that made it all worthwhile, and so I’m glad he is enjoying his well-earned semi-retirement,” he smiles.
Visit: lowveldcanvas.co.za
