Full Name: Mike Cronin

Position: MD of Elquip Solutions

Main Activity of the Company: Elquip Solutions is an established local provider of electrical, automation, mechanical and consumable products, as well as capital equipment. The company supplies customers throughout the original-equipment manufacturer, system integration and distributor markets

Date and Place of Birth: July 22, 1962, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal

Education: I am qualified through experience

First Job: Apprentice electrician

Career History Prior to Current Position: I started as an apprentice electrician before progressing to internal and then external sales. Thereafter, I started Elquip Solutions

Size of First Pay Packet: R200 a month, in 1981

First Job with Present Group: I have always owned the company and been its MD

Value of Assets under Your Control: Approximately R30-million

Number of People under Your Leadership: 23

Management Style: Open-door, participative

Personal Best Achievement: Helicopter pilot’s licence

Professional Best Achievement: Elquip Solutions

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife, Anita

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Donald Trump

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Anton Rupert

Philosophy of Life: If it feels good, do it!

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Elquip Solutions

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Losing my best friend at a young age to cancer

Hope for the Future: That South Africa manages to avoid being downgraded to ‘junk’ status

Favourite Reading: Biographies (Steve Jobs, for example)

Favourite TV Programme: Sports channels

Favourite Food/Drink: Portuguese food and beer

Favourite Music: All music

Favourite Sport: Rugby

Favourite Website: Elquip Solutions

Hobbies: Boating, flying helicopters and travelling

Car: Jeep SRT 8

Pets: Dogs

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Liars

Favourite Other South African Company: Famous Brands

Favourite Foreign Company: All Elquip Solutions international suppliers/principals

Married: To Anita, since March 20, 2006

Children: Terance, 29; Sandra, 23; triplets Christine, Simone and Marko, 21

Clubs: None – I prefer individualism to club memberships!