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Our Newest Crew member : Willie Fourie – The Man Who Can Fix Anything!

Posted on by admin
16
May

At Des Sol 4×4, we are thrilled to introduce the latest addition to our team, Willie! As our new Sales & Fitment Specialist at Des-Sol HQ.

Let’s get to know Willie a little better through a quick Q&A session.

1. Welcome to Des Sol, Willie! Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into the world of 4×4 vehicles?

Willie: It started from when I was very young. I always used to go off-roading with my father and uncle. I’ve always been interested in cars as well and how they work, so I started working on cars, building my own accessories and I got into the industry that way. What started out as a hobby has now turned into a career.

2. What excites you most about working with aftermarket accessories for the Suzuki Jimny?

Willie: How capable a Jimny can be just by changing or adding a few aftermarket parts. I also enjoy fitting a variety of different accessories. There are so many different options.

3. Do you have a favourite aftermarket accessory that you think every Suzuki Jimny owner should have? Why?

Willie: Suspension… It makes the drive a lot smoother or even under body protection, to make sure you do not damage your vehicle while off roading.

4. With Des Sol expanding to other vehicles soon, which vehicle are you most excited to work on next, and why?

Willie: Isuzu bakkies because most people do not know that they are an extremely capable 4×4 vehicle. I think a lot of people underestimate an Isuzu so it would be exciting to have some accessories available to assist with 4×4 and vehicle protection.

5. Can you share a memorable story or experience you’ve had while working on a 4×4 vehicle?

Willie: The most memorable experience I have was a build I did with my uncle where we turned a sprinter bus into a off-road monster. It was very exciting and interesting that we were able to turn a regular vehicle into a highly capable 4×4.

6. What do you think sets Des Sol’s products apart from other aftermarket accessory providers?

Willie: I would definitely say quality of the product and workmanship that goes into the making of those accessories. Also attention to detail is something that sets Des Sol products apart from any other.

7. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the 4×4 aftermarket industry?

Willie: Social media and YouTube. I often watch videos to see what new builds are trending.

8. What’s the most epic off-road adventure you’ve ever been on? Tell us about the location and your experience.

Willie: It was a trip called DVR. It was led by Dirk Van Reenen and the extreme 4×4 Action Group of South Africa. It was 4 days of intense 4×4 and it was completely off grid. No showers, WiFi or anything. Just you and your vehicle in the bush. It was some of the best off roading I have ever done and definitely the most challenging in terms of obstacles and Bush repairs The Drakensburg scenery was out of this world The best memories were also made on that trip with friends and good company.

9. Do you have a dream off-road destination that you haven’t visited yet? What makes it so appealing to you?

Willie: The Glass House mountains in Australia. I would really like to take on the challenge. It is said to be one of the toughest tracks in the world and I would like to see how my Suzuki Vitara does compared to all of the fully kitted out Australian 4×4 vehicles that have taken on the track.

10. When preparing for a long off-road trip, what are your top three must-have accessories or gear?

Willie: A Tool box, Recovery Gear and a compressor.

11. What’s the toughest terrain you’ve ever driven on, and how did you tackle it?

Willie: Koos se Klip at moegatle 4×4. A very rocky but extremely steep mountain with a 47 degree angel. I tackled it by airing down my tyres, making sure 4×4 was engaged and just giving it my all with my foot flat on the accelerator.

12. How do you balance safety and adventure when planning an off-road trip?

Willie: I take my wife with. She always keeps me in line and makes sure that I do not do anything that could lead to a damaged vehicle or injury.

13. Do you have any tips for beginners looking to get into off-roading with their Suzuki Jimny?

Willie: Just go for it. A jimny is a highly capable vehicle even when it is standard. You have to start somewhere so start by doing smaller obstacles and then build up to more challenging ones when you are more confident.

14. What’s the one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you first started off-roading?

Willie: Sometimes it’s good to take chances as it adds to the adventure.

15. If you could take any celebrity on an off-road adventure, who would it be and why?

Willie: Graham from 4WD 24/7 because he has years of experience with different tracks and terrain and he is an exceptional photographer and nature guide.

16. What’s your favorite song or playlist to listen to while driving off-road?

Willie: I do not really have a favourite song but I would definitely say it has to be a bass boosted playlist as it adds to the vibe of the off-road adventure.

17. Do you have a nickname for your 4×4? If so, what is it and how did it come about?

Willie: My Vitara is well known as Pumba. It came about because it used to have a long aerial on the back that looked just like a warthog’s tail. It also came from the motto of lion king “Hakuna matata” as that is how I feel when I off road…. Worry free.

18. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen or experienced while off-roading?

Willie: A friend rolled his Jeep while doing donuts.

19. If you could only take one accessory with you on an off-road trip, what would it be and why?

Willie: Recovery Gear because you never know when you just might get stuck.

20. What’s your go-to meal or snack when you’re out on an off-road adventure?

Willie: Trail mix and a pork chop if there is time for a braai.

21. Can you share a funny or unexpected moment from one of your off-road trips?

Willie: My wife climbing out of my window when the angle was too much for her.

22. Do you have any exciting projects or ideas you’re looking forward to implementing at Des Sol?

Willie: Yes, but unfortunately you will have to wait for the product to come out before I make any announcements.

23. What’s your vision for the future of Des Sol in the 4×4 aftermarket industry?

Willie: I see Des Sol being one of the main manufacturers for 4×4 aftermarket accessories for a variety of vehicles in the future.

24. How can our followers stay connected with you and keep up with your adventures and projects?

Willie: Follow me or the Des Sol team on social media. You can always get in touch with myself or one of the team members if you have any questions or would like to find out about any upcoming trips.

Stay tuned for more updates and adventures from Willie and the rest of the Des Sol 4×4 team. We are excited to embark on this journey with you, our loyal community, and continue to bring you the best in 4×4 aftermarket accessories.

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