Annelize Maré runs family business through hard work and dedication

Annelize Maré runs family business through hard work and dedication

Annelize Maré, the chief executive officer of Fire Control Nelspruit, took over the business with her brother, Stephan, from their father, Phillip, in 2019.

He founded the company specialising in fire control and security services in 1991 and through his hard work, the company has grown a good name with his customers – and it continues to do so.

Annelize is in charge of finance control, human-resource management, coordinating and client liaison, project management, and training.

I believe in nurturing a healthy mind and body, so sport is very high on my lists of priorities

Annelize Maré

The success that she has achieved in this position led to her being nominated for the South African Council for Business Women (SACBW) recognition awards.

Annelize says that she is very serious about her job.

“I am the owner and therefore responsible for every aspect of the business. We have people’s lives in our hands every day. If we make a mistake, people can die or buildings can be lost due to fire damage,” she says.

“Besides being responsible for the day-to-day running of the office, I am also often on site to oversee big projects.”

Fire Control Nelspruit does new installations of all fire equipment according to building regulations, sells and services fire extinguishers, builds smoke-detection systems, hydrant lines and sprinkler systems, supplies first-aid and fire training, and provides health and safety advice.

Annelize says her biggest career achievement was earning respect from industry leaders.

“I am working in an industry dominated by men. If an engineer or other senior colleague or client takes my advice to solve a problem, it is a great honour,” she says.

But with achievements also come challenges. Annelize says her biggest challenge, and also the most important aspect of the business, is human resources.

“People are like gears running in a machine. And the gears need to run smoothly to move it forward. We need to be able to work together as a team. We need to respect one another.

We have people’s lives in our hands every day. If we make a mistake, people can die or buildings can be lost due to fire damage

Annelize Maré

“As the person responsible for human resources, I need to balance skills development and training, discipline and reward. People who feel appreciated will always do more,” she says.

But it is not all work for Annelize.

“I am very busy at work, but I also realise that balancing my work and personal life is extremely important. I believe in nurturing a healthy mind and body, so sport is very high on my lists of priorities,” she says.

Annelize is the chairperson of the Mpumalanga Mountain goats, a fraternity of adventurers who share a common passion for nature and the outdoors and exploring the mountains in the area. She is also involved with female cricket development and donates her time as a volunteer at the Gazebo Funk Book Club.

Annelize is constantly busy developing and improving herself. She studies, learns new skills, tries new sports, travels to new places, tries new ideas for a side hustle, and gives back to the community.

“The best way to learn is to do,” she says.

To be successful in business, she believes that it is important to be part of a community.

“Every business is directly or indirectly dependent on each other,” she says.

Annelize is a member of the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism and the South African Council for Business Women.