Meet Greg van Praagh: "The Coast is much more than a holiday destination"

Family guys come in all forms, but few have as many balls in the air as Greg van Praagh. A committed father and husband, Greg also deals with the daily pressures of running a growing business.

As Commercial Director for solar energy company Pretasol, he’s determined to use his boundless energy to help clients reduce their own energy bills. How so? By offering excellent customer service, unrivalled technical expertise and – most importantly of all – passing on an enthusiasm for the Costa del Sol that few can match…

How did you come to live on the Costa del Sol?

I was born in Wimbledon, but raised in a small village in East Sussex, on the outskirts of Ashdown Forest, made famous by Winnie the Pooh. After school, I travelled extensively, falling in love with the Spanish way of life. So enthralled was I, that I moved to Madrid to learn Spanish in 2001. Four years later and pretty much fluent, I headed southwards to Marbella, and have been enjoying life here ever since!

What do you love most about life on the Costa del Sol?

Easy – it’s that the place is so cosmopolitan. It has a very diverse range of cultures and languages, all underpinned by a strong sense of Spanish culture and tradition, which makes for an intriguing and endlessly fascinating mix. I can taste Andalucía in the air each morning, enjoy a café con leche in a bodega where time seems to have stood still, but then go and watch the rugby in a bar packed with faces from all over the world. And the sun always shines, too!

When are you happiest?

When I’m tending my barbecue on my terrace, listening to the happy chatter of assembled friends and family while sipping a cold San Miguel with one eye on the ribs and the other on the Med.

What motivates you?

Professionally, it’s providing quality service. The needs of our clients are extremely important to us, so I am motivated by delivering high levels of professionalism, expertise and products. Word-of-mouth is a very important facet of business on the Coast, so I endeavour to always leave my customers smiling. Personally, doing a good job professionally means I can provide a good lifestyle for my family: a lifestyle that means my little boy gets to enjoy the outdoors, the freedom of the beach, a bilingual upbringing and the excellent climate.

Tell us a little about Pretasol.

Pretasol was founded in 2009 by me and my business partner, Khalifa Saber, who is Technical Director. We are based in San Pedro de Alcántara and provide solar-powered solutions for commercial and private properties, with the aim being to reduce our clients’ heating and energy costs. Energy can be expensive in Spain, but in a place where the sun shines some 320 days a year, it makes sense to take advantage of that. Pretasol helps you to do so. Our products include solar hot water, solar electricity, and LED lighting.

What is a typical working day in your world?

I begin my mornings with site visits and client meetings. This entails hearing about our customers’ needs and working with them to find the most appropriate solution. I will make energy assessments and advise on the best products, and then manage the installation of said products. I will always take some time out to research the latest innovations in the solar industry too, to ensure that Pretasol is always at the forefront of the industry.

Where is your favourite spot on the Costa del Sol?

I would say Fantastic Beach, which hides between Puerto Banús and Marbella. It’s like a throwback to earlier times, a haven down on the seafront. A place where I can enjoy the sun, the sea and the service of the local café, in peace.

Describe your home in three words.

Calm, creative environment.

What words of advice can you give to people thinking of moving to Spain?

I think the main thing to remember is this: all the rules that applied back home apply here. Don’t leave your brain on the plane and start thinking life is going to be one long holiday. The Costa del Sol is much more than a holiday destination. It is a place that can provide you with a fantastic lifestyle, but you have to work hard, play by the rules and do your research. A lot of business and advice gets passed around via word-of-mouth, so you have to trust who you are speaking to and not rush into anything without due care and attention.

Greg van Praagh is the Commercial Director of Pretasol, a VIVA Recommended Partner. You can contact Greg on 0034 952 801 959, or visit www.pretasol.com/en