Frank has been working at KTM South Africa for the last 26 years, he started in the Wash Bay and has become a qualified Orange Technician.
Midrand, Gauteng – Frank started his career at KTM, 26 years ago. He was first employed to wash the motorbikes. As he likes to say, he started from nowhere and knew nothing. His manager at the time, Ralph Pitchford, encouraged him to expand his knowledge.
Frank had no clue how to fix a motorcycle but was encouraged by Ralph to try. Frank tried but was very overwhelmed and nearly quit. But he came up with a little mantra for himself and pushed through his struggles.
“I told myself that I’m a human being if someone else can do it why can’t I” – Frank
Through the KTM company, there are three levels for technicians to get through. Each level teaching more advanced skills than the next. The starting level is Bronze, the next up is Silver, and the final level is Orange. Orange is the hardest course to complete, and it can take years to do so.
Bronze – general servicing of the bike
Silver – repairs of the bike
Orange – the highest level in KTM, it takes people YEARS to pass. It has a lot to do with electronics.
Frank passed his bronze and silver courses but was hesitant to commit to Orange. Stephan, who handles the Orange course at KTM headquarters, encouraged Frank to try it for years. Frank eventually agreed that he was ready to take on the hardest course on offer.
It’s a four-day course, and Stephan said Frank was extremely nervous. He was the only one that took home all the material (and even asked for extra) to go over each day. He studied hard, working harder than any other attendee.
After 26 years with the company, Frank passed the course. It’s a massive milestone for any technician. He is currently employed at Raceworx KTM – a dealership in Gauteng. All the other workers are in awe of what he has achieved and say that they hope to reach the same milestone as him.
Frank is not only held in high regard by his colleagues, but South Africa’s top KTM athletes also have great respect for Frank too. Louwrens Mahoney, a three-time South African Enduro champion and three-time South African Off-Road champion commended Frank on his work. He used to work on Louwrens bike when he started his racing career.
You can watch Frank’s inspiring story below.
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