Our Values
How Fribesco started
Martin Beskid, a Swiss-qualified Spengler (Sheet Metal Worker / Tinsmith), moved to New Zealand in 2009. His vision was to introduce traditional roofing tools to the New Zealand market, enabling roofing contractors to save money with time-tested, high-quality products.
In 2010 Martin and Alexandra Beskid established their company, Fribesco. The name is now familiar to a growing number of roofers because, in addition to the range of European tools and products in its portfolio, Fribesco offers toolbox sessions and training. Martin demonstrates the effectiveness of the tools, what they are used for, and their range of capabilities.
Offering more than just quality products
Until a few years ago, traditional tools, used in the roofing trade for the past 150 years, were not readily available in New Zealand, therefore inefficient tools were used for the jobs. Martin: “With most clients, we have an initial meeting, followed by a toolbox session and a demonstration of the various tools in the Fribesco range. We figured out very quickly that customers need to know the capability and function of each tool with hands-on workshops to demonstrate best practices, and using the appropriate tool for the job”.
What’s the value of one-on-one training using the best tools? Martin says it answers the following most important question ‘How can I do it best and why do I have to do it this way?’ New installation techniques pop up on the market regularly with new products coming on stream challenging roofing installers – Fribesco is cutting edge and up to speed on new developments in the industry and provides best practices tools and products.
Meet our team
MARTIN
Consultant for all tricky questions
With Fribesco since we started, handling duties such as customer relationship management and sales support. The most exciting part of my job is hearing all our customers succeed in their daily endeavours.
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Who inspires you and why?
The lack of tools for roofers. Many people have told me that we can’t get the tools we have used in Europe for centuries, which sparked the Idea of starting Fribesco.
If I hear too many times, you can’t get that product. There is a market to make it happen.
What’s something that recently made you smile?
Well, it is maybe not recent, but it still counts. At the RANZ conference, they had the Roofing Finals, and all attendees used our tools. Without our tools, you can’t be at the top of this game.
What’s your favourite quote?
Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.
Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts. – Alexander the Great
ALEX(ANDRA)
Co-owner, Administration, Team Leader
Founding Member since November 2010. My role has evolved significantly over the years! Initially, I designed our very first online shop (which, let’s just say, wasn’t exactly award-winning!), managed stock purchases, and packed parcels. As we expanded and new team members joined, those responsibilities shifted. Today, I handle supplier orders for our machine sales and the Australian warehouse, collaborate with Linda in accounting, and lead the team.
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What’s the most exciting part of your job?
Working with an amazing team that works towards our goal of changing the mindset of the roofing industry through trust, training, precision tools, and machines.
Can you speak more than one language?
Native Swiss German Speaker, German, English with a Swiss Accent (nope, no Swedish)
Who inspires you and why?
Mother Nature – so much we can learn from her!
What’s your favourite quote?
Life is like a box of chocolate. You never know what you’re going to get – Forrest Gump and
The greatest pleasure in life is to do what people say you cannot do – Walter Bagehot.
GABRIEL
Operations Manager
I started in 2021, and I’ve been responsible for ensuring everything runs smoothly across the warehouse, office, and online store. This includes managing product inventory, performing crucial calculations, and collaborating closely with my colleagues to maintain efficiency and effectiveness.
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What’s the most exciting part of your job?
Making a complicated task easier and simpler to accomplish.
Can you speak more than one language?
Portuguese and English
Who inspires you and why?
Not a person but New Zealand has inspired me to live my life to the fullest since I arrived.
LINDA
Accounting and Administration
Since 2024, I’ve been managing client and supplier accounts and overseeing the administration of RCA training courses. The most exciting part of my job is when everything aligns perfectly and achieves a smooth balance—it’s incredibly satisfying to see things balance! (matchy-matchy)
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Can you speak more than one language?
I have tried learning other languages over the years, but it’s not my strong point. So, unfortunately… no.
Who inspires you and why?
Women who are considerably older than me, and are still out there biking, tramping, and kayaking – and have a positive outlook on life. My goal is to be like them when I reach their age.
What’s something that recently made you smile?
Watching a bush robin play at my feet while tramping.
What’s your favourite quote?
“I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned” – (Lyrics) Affirmation, Savage Garden
FRANKIE
Logistics and Sales Support
I’ve been with Fribesco since 2022, where I handle logistics organization and prepare quotes. The most exciting part of my job is getting things moving and seeing projects come to life.
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Can you speak more than one language?
Yes
What’s something that recently made you smile?
Ted Lasso
KARIN
Purchasing Officer and Supply Logistics Clerk
Since joining Fribesco in 2023, I’ve been involved in processing and dispatching orders, managing purchases, and keeping the website up to date. The most exciting part of my job is the variety it offers as my feminine energy, which keeps me engaged and energized, reflecting my dynamic and versatile approach to work.
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Can you speak more than one language?
The Czech language is quite advanced, English and German – after 2 ciders fluently.
Who inspires you and why?
People around me, people I work with. There are so many incredible stories full of courage where the impossible is becoming possible. So, if Hollywood needs inspiration.
LADISLAV
Service Technician
Since 2023, I have been undergoing training to service roofing machines. Once fully trained, my role will encompass installing and servicing machines, performing maintenance and repairs, and providing user support. In addition, I manage customer service related to machine operations and create content for our social media platforms while updating the machines section on our new website.
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What’s the most exciting part of your job?
Work with highly skilled professionals and a nice team, learn new things, and have the opportunity to work in my field in this beautiful country, and create creative content for social media.
Can you speak more than one language?
My native language is Czech. I also had German at school a long time ago, and I enjoy improving my English daily.
Who inspires you and why?
I don’t have a concrete person, but I am often inspired by people who have a vision and passion for something. I also like to listen to podcasts on different topics, which inspires me a lot.
What’s something that recently made you smile?
Happy moments with my friends while we watch movies.
What’s your favourite quote?
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a GIFT, that is why we call it present.
PENNY
Graphic Design and Marketing
I started working here in 2019. I’ve taken on a variety of creative tasks. My responsibilities include designing advertisements, crafting email newsletters, photographing tools, and creating documents, flyers, posters, and forms. I also schedule social media posts and handle any other design projects that come up, always aiming to bring a touch of sunshine to our work!
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What’s the most exciting part of your job?
Walking in the door on a Wednesday morning and hearing my Sun and Stars greet me! (Frankies smiley face:-))
Can you speak more than one language?
Nope, odd one out here, 100% English speaking only kiwi.
What’s something that recently made you smile?
My Sun and Stars, Frankie!
What’s your favourite quote?
“A good designer finds an elegant way to put everything you need on a page. A great designer convinces you half that shit is unnecessary”. Mike Monterio
also “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough”. – Oprah Winfrey
MARK
Australian Warehouse and Administration
Since joining Fribesco AUS in 2023, I’ve been involved in administration, warehouse management, and sales. The most exciting part of my job is efficiently handling orders and managing the spread of hours to ensure everything runs smoothly and on schedule.
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Can you speak more than one language?
No, only Ozzie Mate
What’s your favourite quote?
“To all my love slaves out there: Thunderlips is here. In the flesh, baby. The ultimate male versus… the ultimate meatball”. Rockey III
JACKSON
Gurdian
Since my puppy days in 2010, I’ve been the friendly “doorbell” at Fribesco, giving all our clients and couriers a warm and enthusiastic welcome. Woof! Woof!
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What’s the most exciting part of your job?
I love to entertain my mates during the day but I never forget to double-check that they do their jobs right!
Can you speak more than one language?
Native – woof woof. I am a super good listener of English, and Swiss-German, and pretty good Czech listening skills.
What’s your favourite quote?
“Sharing is carrying – except my treats”.