Plumbing for productivity

Rhuah and Lee Pietersen have been together for 19 years. During this time they have established a family, built their forever home and with the launch of Playford Plumbing and Gas in 2019, became small business owners.

Lee grew up in Playford since the age of 11, after his family migrated here from the United Kingdom. Rhuah has lived in Playford since she was 13. “We are also heavily involved in the local sporting community and Lee has always played soccer in the area. Our son is following in his footsteps and plays for Elizabeth Grove,” said Rhuah. “So for us, it’s important that everything we do in our business makes sure we are looking after the local community.”

This philosophy extends to providing work experience and employment opportunities to local people. Lee and Rhuah have taken on three local students from St Patrick’s Technical College, providing hands on work experience. For Chad Davis, a local student from Angle Vale, his work experience led to an apprenticeship with the business.

In January 2021, Rhuah made the decision to hire a dedicated work space at Playford’s Stretton Centre to increase her productivity. After a year working from home she had started to feel unmotivated and was easily distracted by house duties. “I came for a tour of the Stretton Centre and was stunned at what was here. I was so impressed that I signed up on the spot, and organised my desk that day.”

Rhuah found that she made significant progress in her business since working from the Stretton Centre, and regained her passion for work. “I don’t have to worry about maintaining or cleaning anything here. I just focus on what I need to do and I can bounce ideas off of other business owners or the Stretton Centre business support staff which has been really beneficial.”

For Rhuah and Lee there is nowhere, other than Playford, they would want to run their business from. “We have spent our teenage years and beyond in Playford. We have established ties here and don’t want to leave our community – it’s a nice place to work and be.”

Learn more about the Stretton Centre’s shared workspaces and business support service strettoncentre.com.au or call 8254 4666.