Greetings and a very warm welcome to the May 2024 edition of Hamptons Happenings!
In this issue we:
- Celebrate 20 years with Damien
- Share the details of the Mighty Hardware Sale
- Celebrate the Taupo 400
- Share details about a recent quiz night
- Give you a chuckle with some Hamptons Humour
- Share our Hamptons Hot Deal
- Meet the team with 10 questions
“Like the sturdy foundation of a well-built structure, a reliable friend is the cornerstone of success, always delivering with grit, skill, and unwavering dependability.”
Damian van den Hondel is that friend. In his twenty years at Hamptons, ITM Damian has earned the reputation as the go-to guy when you
need something done right and done on time. He has also earned the reputation of being a good friend, both to staff and customers alike. If there’s one man you want on your side when the going gets tough, it’s Damian.
Damian arrived at Hamptons in 2004, a fresh-faced young man fresh off the bus from Kaikoura. As a young man, Damian enjoyed all things sport and played soccer until he was 12 and then realised that in Kaikoura there was no soccer team for anyone over the age of 12. Out of necessity, Damian jumped codes – and he went on to play senior level rugby at no. 6, representing both Kaikoura and also Marlborough. Damian was also pretty handy with a bat and played cricket for both Kaikoura and also Hurunui.
When Damian first left school, he worked for Kaikoura ITM supplying and helping the many handymen, builders and farmers in the district. Like a lot of young men who grow up in rural New Zealand he decided to explore the world and spent some time across the ditch in both Sydney and Perth. Damian moved to Christchurch and while working in dispatch for a local appliance specialist he would ring David Fleming up fairly regularly and enquire about opportunities at Hamptons. Eventually David ‘saw the light’ and Damian joined the Hamptons team in 2006.
Some years later, someone else who ‘saw the light’ was Damian’s wife Megan. Damian’s brother was a DJ on the dance scene in Christchurch and he introduced Damien to a friend of his… Megan was a fellow DJ, spinning vinyl on the decks into the wee hours of the morning at least 3 days a week. The rest as they say… is history.
Another example of Damien’s ability to deliver on-time and in-full with cool, calm efficiency is the arrival of Damien and Megan’s daughter Isla. After being sent home from Christchurch Woman’s Hospital by the midwife, Damien ended up dealing with Isla’s delivery until the ambulance and a rather sheepish midwife eventually arrived.
In an industry where deadlines are tight and challenges are constant, Damian’s reliability is like a beacon of stability. He’s the friend you want by your side when the pressure is on, knowing that he’ll never falter in his dedication to delivering results.
As the English Premier League approaches its climax, we are witnessing fierce competition among teams donning both Red and Blue colours, each vying for the coveted top spot as the season draws to a close.
On the mean streets of Christchurch, another battle for power is playing out as the titans of the power tool industries battle for the builder’s dollar. Clad in similarly bold colours of Blues, Reds, Greens, and Yellows, each bring their unique product to market with a price point guaranteed to catch the eye of any ITM power tool legend.
Whatever your team of choice, we have a deal for you with which you can catch some of these deals at our highly anticipated Mighty Hardware Sale on Thursday May 9th at Hamptons ITM – 151 Ferry Road.
The young men of Milwaukee, Hitoki, and DeWalt will be on site to field your questions, provide hands-on demonstrations, and ensure you’re equipped with the tools you need to tackle any project with confidence. Join us for a day of excitement, savings, and expert advice at the forefront of the construction industry.
The 2024 ITM Super400 took place over the weekend of 19-21 April. It was a new track for this year’s event, in Taupo. The 3.32km circuit was the ideal place and so pleasing to see the Kiwi Andre Heimgartner win the first race in the wet, and in front of a patriotic home crowd.
The weather improved for the second day, with Will Brown taking the checkered flag after knocking off the 60 laps in 1:31:19 – just a tad quicker than the ITM Toyota Starlet.
Off the track, the event was just as successful, and we have nothing but positive reports from those attending. Apparently, the beer was cold, the food was great, and the scenic backdrop was well served by some great racing. A veritable heaven for those who live for the smell of petrol and burning rubber in their nostrils, and the sight of mighty motors battling it out.
The NZIQS (NZ Institute of QS’s) held their quiz night on 11th April, with Hamptons ITM providing sponsorship for the event. Teams of six competed for this ultimate prize and bragging rights in the world of QS’s. A good night was had by all, and as you can see from the photo below, the winners were very happy to walk away with their Hamptons ITM look.
Three construction workers, one from New Zealand, one from Australia, and one from the United States, were tasked with painting the top of a tall building. They soon realized they had forgotten their scaffolding but they were determined to get the job done.
The Australian said, “No worries, Fella’s! I’ll use this plank of wood as a bridge and walk across to the other side.”
So, the Australian laid the plank of wood from the top of the building to the other side, bravely walked across, and began painting.
Not to be outdone, the Kiwi said, “I’ll do you one better, mate. I’ll use this rope to swing across like Tarzan!”
The Kiwi tied the rope to the top of the building, swung across, and joined the Australian in painting.
Finally, the American scratched his head and said, “Hmm, I guess I’ll have to trust you two.” He then stepped off the roof and began to fall.
Just before he hit the ground, he shouted, “I’ve got it!” and adjusted his trajectory to land feet first on the ground, unharmed.
Confused, the Australian and the Kiwi asked, “How did you do that?”
The American smirked and replied, “I’m Superman in disguise. I just forgot to wear my cape today!
Welcome to May and our Hot Deal this month is for this Speedhorse XT. We also have the Mighty Hardware Sale on May 9th so come in and see what other deals we have in store.
10 insightful questions to help you get to know our team better. This week’s victim volunteer is Brett Walsh, one of our four yardmen.
- How long have you worked at Hamptons?
Two years - What’s the best thing about working here?
The team - Are you married?
Yes - What is your favorite tool?
My 3-D printer - Who’s going to win the Super Rugby this year?
Could be anyone - What’s the best fish and chip shop in Christchurch?
Greenhaven Fish and Chip shop, Burwood Road - Did you go to the ANZAC Day Dawn Parade?
No - Any celebrity you’d like to have dinner with?
Not really. My wife. - What’s your go-to soft drink?
Coca-cola, symbol of the free West. - What’s your favorite K-pop group?
What the heck is K-pop??
Best wishes,
David & Wendy, Don, Carolyn and the rest of the team at Hamptons ITM
