35 years ago Roos and Rosslee started as a small company with a vision: Build pools that last and be the outstanding company in a world of “fly by nights”
27 June 1989 Johan Rosslee and his friend Kurt Roos did their first job as Roos and Rosslee. The fact that they never asked for deposits and always honoured their guarantees, ensured that the company could last these many years. Usually, pool companies only last for two or three years before they close down or run away.
They decided to return to the incomplete projects left by Fibreflex Pools when they filed for bankruptcy on 26 June 1989 and completed those projects. Johan worked for Fibreflex at the time of their filing for bankruptcy.
Johan struggled to sell pools initially but after making a decision that he would not leave until the order was signed things took a turnaround. “I sat in a client’s house drinking coffee until eleven or twelve that night. I almost fell asleep,” Recalls Johan, “but they signed, and I sold my first pool. From that day I could sell pools.”
In 1995 Johan and Kurt decided to buy land and develop properties. The first of these ventures was Ballynoran in Trichardt.
“My father taught me that in good times you should build for other people and in bad times you build your own,” said Johan
At the end of 1997, Kurt decided to return to Durban. This left a vacancy that was filled by Martin Keyser.
Johan believes that his businesses should be run as a family. Some of the employees who started with Roos and Rosslee 35 years ago are still with them.
Roos and Rosslee celebrated its 35th birthday with a charity ball on 20 July 2024. Dutch Jazz artist Tijn Trommelen and his band were the entertainers for the night. All proceeds were donated to RATA.
The weekend of 27 July was when the big celebration took place.
There were Boplaas Brandewyn, whisky and wine tasting and sales. Whiskey Master Class at Upstairs, and Food and Wine Pairing at Justino’s.
Live entertainment at eish!! Consisted of
Henco, Henru & Schwabie and Johan Fourie Band
Saturday included: Joubert, Smokkelhuiz, Van Pletzen and Nax
The Bulletin would like to congratulate Roos and Rosslee on this milestone! May you continue to be a cornerstone in our community!
