Page 69 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

BRIAN HOWARTH

rian Howarth is the chairman of the Magnet has expanded to solar PV projects as more clients For Brian, managing cash flow as a privately owned
Group. An electrical engineer by profession, pursue off-grid solutions. He feels pride in the business has also been an ongoing challenge. “You
Brian pursued a diploma in electrical impact Magnet is making, especially as industries always need enough in the bank to cover salaries
Bengineering in the 1970s at Durban Technicon, transition toward greener energy solutions. and creditors,” he shares. During periods of financial
followed by an electrical government certificate. strain or when significant clients faced difficulty, the
PASSION FOR INNOVATION pressure was intense. Magnet learned to diversify its
Brian spent the initial decade of his career at the client base, ensuring no single account comprises
Durban Electricity Department. “They offered me a Brian’s passion for innovation and engineering more than 15% of revenue. His daughter’s MBA
bursary, and I had to commit to a ten-year contract,” drives his curiosity and eagerness to explore new research has guided them to focus on a narrow
he explains. “When that was up, my father, who challenges. “I love technology,” Brian admits with a band of core strengths, resisting the “death by
had started a business called Magnet Industrial grin. “A lot of my friends call me the gadget man.” opportunity” approach of spreading too thin.
Supplies, asked if I wanted to join.” His father, He’s quick to point out, however, that his focus is
eager to retire and enjoy life, saw this as a prime essential in business. “It’s about understanding A CONSCIOUS CHOICE
opportunity to transition the family business, clients’ needs, not just pushing what excites you,”
now Magnet Group, to the next generation. “It he says. Brian also appreciates the transition to Brian’s decision to step back as managing director
happened just like that,” Brian notes. “I’ve been at digitisation, finding joy in brainstorming with his was a conscious choice to prioritise family,
Magnet now for 38 years.” team and developing solutions together. health, and enjoyment. He speaks of balancing
his “triangle” – money, time, and health. “When
Over nearly four decades, Brian has watched the Reflecting on his journey, Brian is proud of Magnet’s you’re younger, time doesn’t feel as limited,” he
business adapt and grow. “Today, we’re focused growth and the team of 140 people he has built. muses. But now, at 67, he aims to make the most of
on servicing the industrial sector in KZN,” he says, “Our staff is everything,” he emphasises. “Seeing our each day, embracing both business and personal
listing a client base that includes multinational employees grow and thrive is incredibly rewarding,” pursuits. “I’m proud that I’ve kept my family close
companies in food and beverage, steel, aluminium, he says, proudly sharing that all staff now have throughout my career,” he says. Married for over
pulp and paper, and sugar industries. Magnet, a medical aid with access to private healthcare. The 40 years, Brian values this achievement as much as
specialist electrical engineering firm with a trading company celebrates achievements together, with any professional success.
arm, is one of Schneider Electric’s major partners in outings and team-building activities. “We took Brian draws inspiration from his family as well.
South Africa. “We’ve been working with Schneider everyone on an MSC cruise once,” he recalls with “Seeing my daughters succeed inspires me,” he
since we started, selling their electrical switch- a smile. However, Brian recognises that young says, His daughter Nicole now plays a vital role in
gear and control components,” he shares. employees today have different expectations. “They the company, reflecting the family’s continuity in
want instant success,” he notes, requiring Magnet to
When Eskom’s electricity supply began struggling adapt its approach to career development. Magnet’s leadership.
to meet demand, Brian saw an opportunity. “We Speaking of his father, Brian says that he was his
put together a team of engineers and proposed “Success inspires me,” Brian states simply. He is greatest influence. Describing him as “a gregarious
energy-saving solutions to our clients,” he explains. motivated by seeing Magnet’s positive impact on character” who always viewed the glass as half-full,
Eskom, through their Demand Side Management employees, clients, and the environment. “I hate Brian adopted his father’s optimism and resilience.
programme, supported these initiatives, funding losing,” he admits. Magnet has even taken cues “He taught me to hang in there and face challenges
upgrades like LED lighting and motor efficiency from the Springboks’ strategic approach, analysing head-on.” Brian has also looked to influential global
improvements. competitors and devising well-rounded game plans leaders for inspiration, including Richard Branson.
to improve their chances of success. In the future,
Brian recalls, “For five years, we worked on hundreds Brian envisions Magnet as a top solutions provider “It’s been quite lonely at the top,” he admits, “but I’ve
of projects with Eskom and won several energy in the electrical engineering space. “We’ve set clear tried to emulate the qualities of successful leaders.”
efficiency awards.” This shift marked Magnet’s goals for the next five years,” he says, adding that Brian’s personal motto is to “live every day and never
evolution from a component supplier to a solutions- quarterly town hall meetings ensure everyone stays miss an opportunity.” Whether in business, health, or
based enterprise, now encompassing a trading aligned with this vision. “We work hard to provide family life, he strives to embrace each moment fully.
company and an engineering company with a team our team with a clear roadmap for growth,” Brian “I take on challenges, brush off the bad days, and
of twelve engineers and five project managers. explains. However, government regulations can try to live a fulfilling life,” he concludes, grateful for
“We audit, engineer, and implement electrical and create obstacles, he notes, especially when trying to a career that allows him to combine passion, family,
lighting solutions,” Brian added that Magnet’s work bring in highly skilled foreign specialists. and purpose.
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