Life & Work

The man behind Davis & Shirtliff talks family business

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Alec Davis. Photo/COURTESY

In 1946 two engineers, Eddie Davis and Dick Shirtliff, started a plumbing business. Davis and Shirtliff was born. They moved to doing swimming pool and water treatment in the 50s.

Alec, Davis’ son, joined the company in 1976 after pursuing an MBA, an unusual thing then he says. In 1990, he assumed control of the business.

“One of the problem with Davis and Shirtliff is that most people assume that we drill bore holes,” Alec told me recently in his offices in Industrial Area. “We have never dug bore holes,” he says. He would know having been with the company for 38 years.

As part of their growth strategy, the company has just launched a new range of products called Dayliff. A range of power and water treatment products, as well as swimming pool equipment, which competes with global brands such as Lorentz and Grundfos.

Davis and Shirtliff has expanded their market and now has 32 branches with over 500 staff in seven countries in Africa.

Are you Kenyan?

Yes, I am. Born here. I hold a Kenyan passport. My grandson, just born recently, is fifth generation Kenyan. My grandfather came here in 1906 and he started the first newspaper in Nairobi, called The Leader. I think it was then absorbed by the Standard in the 1920’s or 1930’s.

What do you do when not running the company?

I travel a bit. I swim, I ride a bike, I play golf. I also play tennis. My wife and I go away quite a lot on travels.

What kind of a CEO do you think you are?

I would like to think I’m a participative one, due to my age, maybe I’m a bit, what’s the word I’m looking for (Pause). I’m maybe dominant, which is not a good thing. I think its inevitable as you get older you get respect from your staff. I think the challenge is to move the business to the next era.

How old are you?

Not really? I’m very active. I ride my bike once or twice in Karura Forest, I swim a lot, I don’t go to the gym, I find it a bit boring. I think that’s one of the traits of modern era, you tend to be fitter as you get older.

They say the modern 60 year old is the 50-year-old now. My contemporaries seem much younger than my parents were at that age.

What are your fears?

I think one of my fears - like everybody else who is getting older - is deterioration of their health. The other fear is the pace of technology, it’s moving so fast. When you consider how fast technology has changed my lifestyle, its completely unrecognisable. There is a real fear of being left behind with this technology of the modern world.

Any kids?

Two boys, 32 and 36yrs, and they are both working in the business.

Are you grooming them?

I hope so! (Chuckles)

I ask because you took over from your father, are you also going to hand the baton down?

The business has changed. When I joined the company it was a small company with tightly controlled management, but today it’s an institution that is professionally run.

So really my sons can’t come in and I slot him them in. They have to go through the organisation and prove that they are capable of taking the reins because we have very capable managers here too.

What do you know now about fatherhood that you didn’t know back then?

I’m sure this is a regret of every father that you didn’t spend more time with your kids.

But at that time you were trying to establish your business and position in life but also trying to spend time with family so there is a trade off. Fortunately I never spent a lot of time away from the boys.

Ever wondered how it would to have a daughter?

Well, I’m sure it would be very nice (Laughs). But you know, the good Lord didn’t ordain it that way.

How long have you been married?

Gosh, long time…over 30 years.

One lesson you have learnt in all those years?

Marry someone who is a very good friend, that’s the most important thing. Because at the end of it all when the excitement has died down it’s the friendship that remains.

What kind of people inspire you?

Achievers generally, athletes and guys who reach the pinnacle of their craft, trade of careers. The amount of effort these people put to get to the top of the ladder is extraordinary, the sacrifices they make are amazing.

Regrets in life?

Not really. I’m very fortunate, live in a place I like, have a great job and family, so none. I would do this again if I had the chance.

What’s your alter ego?

I’m very interested in business, so my alter ego is business oriented. I like developing things, like construction building developments. I think that’s what I would do, I find it satisfying.

Any interesting book you are reading?

I’m not a great book reader. I prefer magazines though. Like The Week, the Times, the Economist and one of my great interest is motorcars.

You must drive a nice car?

Yes, Range Rover Vogue.

Does the car you drive mirror your personality?

I’m an engineer and I very much appreciate excellence and this car is the pinnacle of automotive technology and I’m privileged to be driving it. It’s an excellent vehicle, very enjoyable to drive.

Music?

I enjoy music from my youth 1950’s and 1960’s. Like The Birds, The Beach Boys, Rolling Stone, The Eagles…I also like popular music, I listen to X-FM in my car.

What’s in your Bucket List?

I have everything material I need, great family. I just want to see the company go to the place I want it to go.

Beer, wine or whisky?

Wine. But less of it now due to Alcoblow. (Smirk).

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