Full Name: André Visser
Position: MD of Fabrinox
Main Activity of the Company: Fabrinox specialises in the cost-effective manufacturing of sheet-metal components, subassemblies and projects entailing under-licence manufacturing
Date and Place of Birth: January 16, 1966, Moorreesburg
Education: B BA(Hons) and higher national and national diplomas in mechanical engineering
First Job: Experiential learner at HG Molenaar
Career History Prior to Current Position: Filmatic – design office and project management
Size of First Pay Packet: R114 a week
First Job with Present Group: Founding member
Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated
Number of People under Your Leadership: 136
Management Style: Leading by example and influencing others to work together in pursuit of a common goal
Personal Best Achievement: My wife and three daughters
Professional Best Achievement: Fabrinox, a life-long dream
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My parents
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Various colleagues and business associates
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Nelson Mandela
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Whitey Basson
Philosophy of Life: Nothing is more rewarding than hard work
Biggest Ever Opportunity: The Fabrinox start-up and the trust my sponsor (Johan Beyers) had in me
Biggest Ever Disappointment: None
Hope for the Future: Better education for all South Africans
Favourite Reading: Business Day, Fin24 and any outdoors magazine
Favourite TV Programme: None
Favourite Food/Drink: Mutton curry and green salad
Favourite Music: Queen and classical
Favourite Sport: Rugby, motorsport and athletics
Favourite Website: fin24.com and Google
Hobbies: Running, camping and motorbikes
Car: I have one
Pets: Three chow-chows
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Dishonesty
Favourite Other South African Company: South African Breweries
Favourite Foreign Company: Google and Samsung
Married: To Mattie, since April 11, 1992
Children: Wilma, 16; Elsa, 13; Hanlie, 10
Clubs: Wellington Athletics