The driving force behind industry leader DJM Kannemeyer Joinery, which has become synonymous with top-notch workmanship and quality, has let the reins go after nearly five decades of business success.
Respected businessman Derek Kannemeyer, who has maintained a firm grip on business ownership over the decades and continued working well beyond retirement age, called it a day permanently last Friday (3 November), with son Barry-Jon stepping up to steer DJM Kannemeyer Joinery to new heights.
“I have had a good first-innings, 74 not out,” said the newly retired Firgrove resident. “I am confident the business will continue to thrive, going from strength to strength and beyond my expectations with Barry-Jon, who’s more than capable, at the wheel.”
Asked what inspired the leap of faith into retirement, the proud entrepreneur who has built his empire from the ground up, explained that apart from limitations brought on by age, the time was nigh for him to gear-up for that which God had in store for him.
“Similarly, I have tackled each day, by doing what the Lord tells me to do and following through, I will dedicate my golden years to what He has planned for me – and I know it will be good.”
In a quick trip down memory lane Kannemeyer recalled the Somerset West business’ humble beginnings 47 years ago. As a youngster fresh from an apprenticeship taking on every small job opportunity, he decided not to work for a boss and started his own business in 1976. “I just decided, ‘No, no, I am not going to work for anyone else’. My dad was a builder with many contacts, which helped kick-start my career, doing what I knew how to do. And, I haven’t look back.”
He started his business operations as a two-man team working from a double garage at his parents’ house, which was located in Lourens Street, right next door to the current business premises that he acquired in 1986. “I was blessed with many good job opportunities including working on many local farms. I earned good money, which I put to good use by ploughing it back into my business.”
DJM Kannemeyer Joinery soon established itself as a trusted business specialising in kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, TV and wall units, bars, doors (rebated, solid, French, louvre and customised), staircases, balustrades, ceilings, shopfitting and spraypainting.
Business growth over the years included the local operation evolving from a two-man team to a fully operational factory with six workers and reeling in work opportunities abroad.
A career highlight for Kannemeyer is the joinery being employed by a German to fit an entire hotel in France, which required doing all the cutting work locally and completing the assembling project abroad within three months. The business was also entrusted with a big project, which included fitting the main rooms such as the dining area, entrance and bars at an establishment in Nigeria.
Despite the covid pandemic causing the business to cut back and shrink to its initial two-man team, the high standards upheld by the Kannemeyer father-and-son duo have remained constant.
“My motto has alway been, ‘What you put in, you get out’,” the elder Kannemeyer continued. “This mantra and our dedication to customer satisfaction have been key to our business success. We take on every work opportunity and never say no or succumb to a challenge.”
The proud patriarch has entrusted his legacy to his only son, who has brought his own flair and innovative skills to the table. Barry-Jon grew up in the factory located right next door to his grandmother’s house, where he would wait after school for his father to pick him up before going home.
“While waiting I would slip into the factory, where I would build my own wooden items with offcut wood and glue,” he shared.
Barry-Jon joined the factory after graduating in graphic design and has worked alongside his father for more than 14 years. “I’ve gained valuable experience over the years, working with some of the best artisans in the Helderberg basin,” he declared.
“With the end of an era a new dawn has arrived with fresh ideas, but a continuation of the solid foundation that was laid for me. I’ve started my own business with a keen eye for detail I’ve acquired over the years. I’ve positioned myself to think big, start small.”
Asked what locals can expect following the change of ownership Barry-Jon responded: “A form of leadership to empower the next generation of craftsmen, the ability to build influence, maintain a high level of quality, inspire employees and keep them motivated to perform well and lead compassionately. Customisation in the woodwork industry is what we specialise in; from designer kitchens to bespoke furniture.”
The community will now find DJM Kannemeyer operating as B Creativ. Interior, which can be contacted on 082 347 2708 or bcreativ.diy@gmail.com.
In bowing out, Kannemeyer extended a special thanks to the ever-supportive community. “I’m going to miss my customers, whom it was truly a pleasure to serve. I will always be here, a mere phone call away.”
