Theo: An inspiring young man in our industry

A recent LinkedIn post by our CEO, Tandy Coleman, has generated a lot of interest. Polyflor strives to foster ‘Excellence in flooring’ within our industry and, when laying our floors, technical knowledge, attention to detail and well-developed skill are critical parts of this excellence.

Tandy’s post described a fitter who brings that ethos of excellence to his work, showing enthusiasm and passion as he refines his skill:

‘On a recent visit to Kimberley Psychiatric Hospital, where Polyflor's Pearlazzo PUR is currently being installed, I was inspired by meeting a determined, delightful and enthusiastic man.

I met a young fitter called Theo. Theo is a student who has trained through the FITA NQF level 1 course run at Sparrow Schools. He is currently doing his practical on-site training with Combined Flooring at Kimberley Psychiatric Hospital. He has been trained in vinyl fitting by the team he is working with and now has the skills to fit vinyl sheeting, including coving, grooving and welding. Theo’s lovely comment was, “I love my job so it’s not hard work”. How rewarding to see a young man take this opportunity and put so much effort and enthusiasm into making a success of it. He is creating a bright future for himself. I shall look forward to seeing him become a top fitter.

Thank you for your top-class work, Theo. Keep it up!’

But Theo so inspired us that he was hard to forget. What makes him so special, so animated and so full of hope? We wanted to spread a little of his magic and enthusiasm to others in our industry so we gave him a call to find out more about his story.

Warm, intelligent and eloquent on the phone, Theo’s ready humour is immediately apparent in the sound of his voice and his choice of words. He describes himself as an open person, always willing and enthusiastic, and this became obvious during our conversation.

Meet Nethavhani Pfunzo Theophylus, aka Theo:

How old are you, Theo?

I’m 22.

Tell us a little about your history:

I am a Venda. I was born in Limpopo. I moved to Kgagiso in the West Rand when I was eight years old and went to primary school there. I went to Hoërskool Jan De Klerk in Krugersdorp and completed my matric at the Immaculate College of Engineering in Johannesburg. I have one sister who is 29 years old. She lives in Cape Town and is a policewoman for the SAP. My Dad died when I was 17. I live in Johannesburg on the West Rand with my mom and my cousin, but I am currently working on a three-month contract installing floors at the new Kimberley Psychiatric Hospital. I hope that I will secure something more long term soon. I also have a one-year-old son who lives in Riverleigh in Nasrec.

What made you decide to do the FITA NQF level 1 course at Sparrow Schools?

Well, I wanted to study civil engineering, but I couldn't afford it. My sister told me about this opportunity so I investigated it and applied. I am a physical, active person; I love to be busy and doing physical things. I wanted to do something where I could make and build things.

Tell us a bit about the course.

It is a six-month course followed by a six-month apprenticeship. The course covers flooring as a whole. I have learnt about laying carpet tiles, vinyl tiles and vinyl sheets. I started in August 2015 and then I did my apprenticeship with Combined Flooring and learnt so much from them. They have really helped my vinyl skills.

Who specifically has helped and inspired you along the way?

Our mentor and trainer, Phineas Mochwaiwa, who works at Combined Flooring has been excellent. He has shown me everything I know and has done a brilliant job training us.

[We asked Phineas about Theo: “He is doing very well. You get people who listen when you teach them and then they do what you have taught them well. Theo is one of those people.”]

When Tandy spoke to you in Kimberley, you told her that you love what you do so it’s not hard work. Why do you love it?

I love to build and make things; it keeps me busy. I have found something I love in life! I am not a desk person – I love being physical. At school I wanted to play rugby, but they said I was too small! I love rugby; I am passionate about it.

Who is your favourite rugby player?

Morné Steyn.

What are your other hobbies?

I love music and I write and perform my own hip-hop music. My dad was a very poetic person. I find music helps when you need to escape from reality a bit. I like ‘old-school' music; it talks to me. Some people think I am a little strange or different with my taste in music.

 So what are your long-term plans?

Well, almost nobody in my family knows what I do. I want to show people about this thing I love and the opportunities that are out there.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Five years seems like a long time, but I would like to save and study for a degree in Civil Engineering.

Thank you so much for your time, Theo. It's been great talking to you. Perhaps we can catch up again in three to five years and see what you are up to.

Thank you, I enjoyed it. That would be great!