Full Name: Brenton Spies

Position: MD of Booyco Engineering

Main Activity of the Company: Design, manufacture and maintenance of specialised mobile heating, ventilation and air-conditioning solutions for military, rail and mining applications

Date and Place of Birth: October 6, 1972, Florida, Gauteng

Education: CA(SA)

First Job: Articled clerk

Size of First Pay Packet: R2 500 a month

Value of Assets under Your Control: R75-million

Number of People under Your Leadership: 100

Management Style: Coaching and empowering

Personal Best Achievement: Rebuilding my life at the age of 40

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: Anton Lourens, CEO of Booyco ElectronicsS , who is my friend and business partner

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Motus CEO Osman Arbee

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Elon Musk and Johan Rupert

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Jeremy Pougnet, previous CEO of Booyco Engineering

Philosophy of Life: Bite off more than you can chew and then chew like crazy

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Acquiring Booyco Engineering

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not finishing my master’s degree

Hope for the Future: A corruption-free, prosperous South Africa

Favourite Reading: Biographies of successful people (business and sport), Tom Clancy novels (when on holiday)

Favourite TV Programme: Any live sport coverage

Favourite Food/Drink: Braai and a good South African Merlot

Favourite Music: Piano instrumentals – Pachelbel’s Canon in D

Favourite Sport: Rugby and golf

Hobbies: Reading and travelling

Car: BMW Z4

Pets: A toy French poodle named Charlie

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Laziness

Married: To Rolinda

Children: Kian, 17; Amy, 23; Wesley, 25

Clubs: Serengeti, Zimbali, Pearl Valley