Full Name: Ben William Dicks

Position: MD of B&T Steel

Main Activity of the Company: Steel construction and general engineering

Date and Place of Birth: November 13, 1971

Education: Matric

First Job: Machine operator

Career History Prior to Current Position: I was appointed a machine operator in 1991 and rose to workshop foreman in 1992 and GM in 1995

Size of First Pay Packet: R5 500 a month

First Job with Present Group: I did everything from sales to manufacturing and invoicing, wages, debtors, creditors and finance

Value of Assets under Your Control: R85-million

Number of People under Your Leadership: 58

Management Style: Democratic

Personal Best Achievement: The birth of my first child

Professional Best Achievement: The commissioning of our new CNC Kaltenbach machine

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My grandfather

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on You Career: My father

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Sir Richard Branson

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Bill Gates

Philosophy of Life: Keep your feet on the ground, be humble and be thankful everyday for your blessings

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Going to Germany to order our new machinery

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Losing a tender

Hope for the Future: We are in a growing phase and I hope it continues

Favourite Reading: Engineering News and the Financial Mail

Favourite TV Programme: Carte Blanche

Favourite Food/Drink: Steak/Jack Daniels

Favourite Music: A bit of everything

Favourite Sport: Hunting

Favourite Website: B&T Steel and Engineering News

Hobbies: Hunting, golf

Car: BMW X5

Pets: Two dogs and a parrot

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Negative people

Favourite Other South Africa Company: DSE

Favourite Foreign Company: Virgin Group

Married: To Charlene Ackerman since September 19, 1992

Children: Rynhardt, 13; Rubin, 11

Clubs: Delmas Golf Club, the South African Hunting Association