Shaun Singh, Sales Director at JDL Electric, has a rich 23 year history in the electrical industry, with the last 14 at JDL Electric. He is a strong advocate of hard work, and believes that if you do what you love and love what you do; then it is not a job but a career path with endless opportunities to grow.
Sparks: Where were you educated?
SS: I studied Mechanical Engineering at the Technikon Witwatersrand from 1994-1996.
Sparks: How long have you been involved in the electrical industry?
SS: I have been working in the electrical industry for 23 years.
Sparks: When and where did you start your career?
SS: I started my career in 1996 at Ideal Electrical and Mining Supplies.
Sparks: What are the greatest changes you have seen over the years?
SS: The move to alternate power and energy saving.
Sparks: What major projects have you worked on and what is your greatest accomplishment?
SS: One of the major projects I have worked on was the BAIC vehicle production plant in Port Elizabeth, and my greatest accomplishment has been being appointed as a Director of JDL.
Sparks: Have you won any awards?
SS: I have won numerous awards internally within JDL.
Sparks: Who has been your inspiration or have you had a mentor who has influenced your career?
SS: My father and, most recently, Mr Willie Maree, who is currently moulding me into the best I can be. My current CEO, Mr Lee Kritzinger, has lead by example and imparted the attitude of ‘go big or go home’. With great risk comes great reward, never give up until you have succeeded. Life is a series of choices, surround yourself with people who share your passion and vision and you will be unstoppable.
Sparks: What, to your mind, is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry at this time?
SS: The sustainability of our energy production is one of the biggest challenges currently facing our industry.
Sparks: What do you enjoy most about your job?
SS: Leading my team; skills transfer and nurturing their growth so they are able to reach their full potential.
Sparks: How do you motivate your staff?
SS: I have invested time in my staff, I know them individually and what makes them tick. What inspires me may not inspire them, what works for one will not necessarily work for another. My motivation is based on appealing to their highest core values and allowing them to speak their minds and share their views. Also, to create a sense of belonging and a great working environment for all. My staff do what they love and love what they do; it is not a job but a career path with endless opportunities to grow.
Sparks: If you could ‘do it all again’, would you change anything?
SS: No, everything is as it should be.
Sparks: Would you advise a person leaving school to enter the electrical industry?
SS: Yes, for sure. There will always be a need for power and energy, the scope to grow is enormous and there is not a single day that goes by that you don’t learn something new. It’s a daily challenge, but hard work works.
Sparks: What is your advice to electrical contractors and/or electrical engineers?
SS: If you want to be the best, then deal with the best. JDL is your number one, one-stop-shop.
Sparks: What is your favourite quote?
SS: “Hard work works”.
Sparks: Name three things on your ‘bucket list’.
SS: To become the National Sales Director of the 10 plus branches we are going to open and increase our African footprint; JDL must manufacture and distribute the best quality PVC conduit and trunking at the best price into the electrical arena; and to fish for – and land – a Nile Perch.
Enquiries: +27 (0)11 315 4826
