Sparks Electrical News August 2017

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SPARKS
ELECTRICAL NEWS AUGUST 2017
CONTRACTORS’ CORNER 3
PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH: LINDSAY VAN DEN BERG
LINDSAY VAN DEN BERG, managing director of Bergstrom Industries,
has been in the lighting business for three decades. She thrives on
the dynamic landscape of the electrical industry and enjoys working
with her staff for their distinctive sense of humour and their passion
for what they do.
Sparks: Where were you educated?
LvdB: St Andrews School for Girls and Wits University.
Sparks: How long have you been involved in the electrical industry?
LvdB: I have been involved in the lighting and electrical industry for
31 years.
Sparks: When and where did you start your career?
LvdB: I started my career in an audit and accounting firm. When Chris
van den Berg founded Bergstrom in September 1986, I became the
financial director. I have been involved in all aspects of the company
– production, design, customer relations and supplier service. For the
past three years, I have been the managing director.
Sparks: What are the greatest changes you have seen over the years?
LvdB: The integration of technology into luminaires. When Bergstrom
was founded, T5 seemed to be the future of lighting. It amazes me
how far we have surpassed this technology in such a short time.
The advances have enhanced lighting functionality and efficiency,
and improved living comfort. One of the greatest breakthroughs in
technology is the niche of human-centric lighting. This
has shown lighting to be beneficial to sight, and also to
a person’s emotional response throughout the work day.
Sparks: What is your greatest accomplishment?
LvdB: I have brought up three amazing children and have
been blessed with five grandchildren. My daughters have
become my closest advisors and my son has joined
me in the lighting industry – he has a passion for the
industry and is a great asset to the Bergstrom team.
Sparks: Who has been your inspiration or have you had a
mentor who has influenced your career?
LvdB: My interest and love for the lighting industry
came from Chris, my husband, who had a remarkable
knowledge of reflector and lighting design. His legacy of
quality and innovation in lighting has led the direction of
the company for over 30 years and will continue to be a
cornerstone in future.
My father, Hugh Caroline, is my greatest inspiration in
business. He has constantly been inmy business life guiding
my financial decisions and helping me maintain a balance
between family and work life. I can honestly say I would not
be where I am today without his guidance and influence.
Sparks: What, to your mind, is one of the biggest
challenges facing the industry at this time?
LvdB: I feel that there are a couple of challenges facing
our industry today:
Inferior products are increasingly being imported and
used due to cost pressures and lack of knowledge of the
cons of using poor quality products. Customers frequently
end up being turned off LED technology altogether, having
experienced problems with low quality products.
The instability of the South African economy, especially
as it relates to exchange rates and international and local
investment. Volatile exchange rates are impacting all industries reliant
on raw materials. Lack of investment in the country from government
and private organisations means that infrastructure development and
growth of businesses in general is slowing. This results in less work
being available and companies holding back on investing in innovation
and business development initiatives.
There are fewer and fewer skilled tradesmen in the industry– tool-
makers, draftsmen, etc. as younger generations see these career
paths as less glamorous than professions trained through universities.
The rate of change in the industry is likely to accelerate exponentially
as technology advances faster than ever before. Staying ahead of the
curve will become more and more challenging.
Sparks: What do you enjoy most about your job?
LvdB: I enjoy the dynamic landscape of the electrical industry – no
day is the same – and the relationships I have formed over the years.
Day-to-day interaction with my staff, suppliers and customers has
always been a great motivation. Bergstrom has formed a unique
company culture and I enjoy working with great, diverse people who
have a distinctive sense of humour and passion for what they do.
Sparks: How do you motivate your staff?
LvdB: By encouraging them to set personal and professional goals. I
give them regular feedback on projects won or lost. I have an open
door policy.
Sparks: If you could “do it all again”, would you change anything? If so,
what would that be?
LvdB: On a personal note, I would have loved to have played more
golf! Unfortunately, between family and business it has been hard to
find the time to get onto the golf course.
Sparks: Would you advise a person leaving school to enter the
electrical industry? And why?
LvdB: Yes, the industry offers career opportunities in many different
areas, appealing to various personality types. There really is something
for everyone.
Sparks: What is your advice to electrical contractors and/or electrical
engineers?
LvdB: Know the strengths and capabilities of the companies and
people you partner with. Partnering with companies that complement
yours will lead to the successful completion of projects; Use reputable
lighting companies and get in touch with OEM manufacturers for
information on their components and latest technology – staying
YOUR ATTITUDE, NOT YOUR APTITUDE WILL DETERMINE YOUR ALTITUDE
Lindsay van den Berg
abreast of what is currently available is key; Using the correct product
for the correct application will make all the difference; and finally, drinks
are always on suppliers!
Sparks: What is your favourite quote?
LvdB: ‘Your attitude, not your aptitude will determine your altitude’
(Zieg Ziglar).
Sparks: Name three things on your ‘bucket list’ (things you want to do
before you ‘kick the bucket’).
LvdB: Play golf at Pebble Beach, see the great migration on the
Serengeti plains and take a trip to the Arctic to see the glaciers.