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!