Full Name: Colin Alexander Ford

Position: MD of Lubrication Engineers South Africa

Main Activity of the Company: Importation and distribution of enhanced lubricants and equipment

Date and Place of Birth: September 21, 1965

Education: High schooling at Northcliff High; national higher diploma (building), Wits Technikon; Certified Professional for Lubrication Technology, University of South Africa; lubrication engineering qualifications from the South African Institute of Tribology and the International Council for Machinery Lubrication

First Job: Quantity surveyor

Career History Prior to Current Position: Quantity surveyor and director at WEG (32 years)

Size of First Pay Packet: R500 a month

First Job with Present Group: Key account manager

Value of Assets under Your Control: R40-million

Number of People under Your Leadership: 20

Management Style: Consultative

Personal Best Achievement: Having our three children

Professional Best Achievement: Being awarded the International Sales Team of the Year accolade by Lubrication Engineers International

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife and children

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My father, Alex Ford

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Richard Branson

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Sol Kerzner

Philosophy of Life: For every down, there is an up – I always try to look for the positives in any situation

Biggest Ever Opportunity: My current position

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Being let down by people I trusted

Hope for the Future: A better South Africa, where the youth can have hope for a brighter future

Favourite Reading: Any good fiction

Favourite TV Programme: Billions

Favourite Food/Drink: A good steak and red wine

Favourite Music: Acid jazz

Favourite Sport: Formula 1 and rugby

Hobbies: Golf and scuba diving

Car: Land Rover Discovery 4

Pets: Two Maine Coons

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Bad drivers

Favourite Other South African Company: Impala Platinum

Favourite Foreign Company: Lubrication Engineers Inc (US)

Married: To Jill (née Blackbeard), for 30 years

Children: Callum, 26; Gavin, 23; Keiran, 21

Clubs: Bryanston Country Club