THE Sturgess family of Kibler Park have been through some rough times over the years and after Trevor suffered from several health problems between 2001 and 2009, getting back up to the top has taken some time but now there’s no looking back!
Trevor and Ruth married in 1992 and had two children, Taylor and Robyn, who are now 22 and 20 respectively – and later, Lebogang Modise (22) joined the family from 2009 onwards.
Trevor used to be a top stand-up comedian and in the entertainment industry, but after a few years of working the circuit the wheels fell off and Trevor hit rock bottom. “If it hadn’t have been for Ruth and the children and a 12 Step Programme I wouldn’t be where I am today,” said an emotional Trevor.
In 2009 Trevor was hospitalised in Baragwanath Hospital and was there for four months. “I woke up in ICU on my 40th birthday and knew that things were going to change. Many people complain about Bara and the treatment they receive, but all I know is the doctors and nurses there saved my life. I had walked to the edge of death and knew this was it, but I was given a second chance at life.”
It was around this time that 94.7 Highveld Radio granted them a Christmas Wish and with Jeremy Mansfield and Sam Cowen as anchors on the radio show, they were ever grateful for some much-needed help and a helping hand in their journey. “God has been faithful,” Trevor said.
What followed was a lot of hard work and emotional stress to work through. Trevor’s wife Ruth became a real estate agent in 2008 and was the main wage earner, while Trevor regained his strength after being so ill. Ruth and Trevor started working for Century21 Properties In 2010 and Trevor began to study, gaining his NQF4 as well as studying commercial property through UCT; and public law through UNISA. He now has NQF5 in Real Estate and is the Principal of Seeff Kibler Park.
Ruth won the top agent of the year award for South Africa in 2014, which meant an overseas holiday for her and Trevor to Washington DC to attend the global convention and then travelling on to Canada, to meet and spend some time with family friends. “It was a breakthrough time for us and our relationship just became stronger and stronger,” added Ruth.
Both Trevor and Ruth were working for Aida Jo’burg South during 2015, when Trevor had a phone call from Seeff’s Shawn Mackrell. What followed was the Kibler Park franchise of Seeff being taken over by Trevor and Ruth. “We love it and it’s a whole new exciting challenge. Trevor is the principal and I keep busy with the administration side of the business; and with three Property professionals – Trevor, Ruth and Taylor Sturgess – we’ll achieve so much more. We really couldn’t be happier. Taylor assists with the business and has just completed his NQF4 Real Estate. He also enjoys creating his own music. Lebo is working in photography and the boys love skateboarding; Robyn is studying at Monash University and enjoys singing and playing the guitar and keyboard,” said Ruth.
They attend Riverside Community Fellowship at Waterstone College with Pastor Stephen Pohlman and have made some lovely friends. “Many people have helped us in our journey to where we are today and we’d like to thank Pastor Roy and Aunty Val Saunders, Pastors Jacques and Julie Du Plessis; as well as Reverend Nick Prinsloo and helping hands as well from Sarah Wissler (Now Ward 23 Councillor), Juan and Mandy Kloppers, plus many others. We too can now help others. Being involved in the Community is very important to us.
“Recovery isn’t for those who need it, but for those who really want it. Times were very hard but together as a family we’ve pulled through and today, as we love working with Seeff, we know great times are around the corner.”
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