Achiever Of Real Note

A plumber from Hokitika has headed off corporate high-flyers to become New Zealand’s Young Executive of the Year

Philip Routhan, pictured below, owner-manager of W.H. Shannon ltd, was awarded the title at a charity luncheon in Wellington today.--The event is organised and promoted by the New Zealand Institute of Management, and Management magazine.

Mr Routhan’s firm has four branches in the South Island, with two more soon to be opened.

Judges said that in managing the rapid growth of this plumbing business, Mr Routhan, 34, had faced and overcome serious difficulties, had displayed entrepreneurship and innovation, developed a loyal and competent staff and maintained financial stability in his firm during a period of rapid expansion.

Mr Routhan stated work as a plumber at the age of 15 and at 18 he bought the company he was working for in Hokitika.

The business got into such difficulties that at one point he was advised to liquidate the company and declare bankruptcy.--However, recognising his deficiencies in the business area, he obtained expert advice, undertook business and management studies, turned the company around and set it on the path to expansion.

Mr Routhan is vice-president of the Canterbury Master Plumbers’ Association and was one of eight people invited to help develop a national strategic plan for the industry.

As part of his success as Young Executive of the Year, Mr Routhan will fly to Belfast early next year to contest the Worldcom World Young Business Achiever Award.

This is organised by the Worldcom Group of independent public relations consultancies.--In addition to the trip to Britain and a trophy, Mr Routhan will receive a Freedom Card with a credit of $1500.