Reginald Pretorius, a veteran of the hydraulics industry, recently bade farewell to Hydrasales and the industry after a long and distinguished career. Popularly known as Oom Reg, this jovial personality has an affable manner with everyone he engages with. Starting as a diesel mechanic in 1965, his versatility allowed him to move into training, production, sales and sales management. He started the Hydrasales Cape Town branch in 1985. With hard work he established an influential market niche and was promoted to branch manager in Johannesburg. He then moved to (then) Port Elizabeth to start his own business and returned to Johannesburg with a hippy ponytail. This was very hip for our Oom.
Oom Reg.
Reg’s experience with the Hydrasales ranges of hydraulic filters and accessories made him a very valuable reference for his colleagues. “Do not stress. You will not learn the full range. Learn to use the catalogues and know where to find the information,” he would calmly explain. Despite being a product of an earlier generation, Oubaas was tech savvy. He built a collection of jokes in his swipe file and used his humour to his advantage by building relationships with his customers. His most memorable moment was “Our trip to Milan visiting the Italian trade show and supplier facilities. It was my first time in Italy and I still cherish the experience”.
We acknowledge the contribution this gentle giant has made to Hydrasales and the industry over five decades. He and his wife Jeanette plan to enjoy their smallholding and working the soil. Go well Oom Reg.
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