Full Name: Brian Ernest Howarth
Position: MD of Magnet Electrical Supplies
Main Activity of the Company: Electrical solutions provider to industry
Date and Place of Birth: August 9, 1957, Durban
Education: Diploma in electrical engineering; electrical engineer’s certificate of competence
First Job: Learner technical assistant at Durban Electricity
Career History Prior to Current Position: I started as a technical assistant at Durban Electricity in 1976 and qualified as an electrical engineer four years later. In 1982, I was promoted to depot engineer at the Phoenix depot, in charge of 150 staff and responsible for the electrical network in the area. I joined the family business, Magnet Electrical Supplies, as sales director in 1986, becoming MD ten years later
Size of First Pay Packet: R200 a month
First Job with Present Group: Sales director
Value of Assets under Your Control: R85-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: 110
Management Style: Leading by example, collaborative and engaging
Personal Best Achievement: Various sporting achievements, including participating in the Comrades and Dusi events, as well as educating my children and having a successful family life
Professional Best Achievement: Running a successful business for 35 years
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife, Colette
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My parents, both of whom have since passed on
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Elon Musk
Businessperson Who Has impressed You Most: Not stated
Philosophy of Life: Work hard, play hard
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Joining the family business, and being involved in the electrical industry, where technology is evolving to improve energy efficiency and create renewable energy
Biggest Ever Disappointment: People you invest time in letting you down
Hope for the Future: An end to corruption in this beautiful country as well as much-needed structural economic changes that create more business opportunities and jobs for all
Favourite Reading: Autobiographies of business leaders, Wilbur Smith
Favourite TV Programme: Sports programmes
Favourite Food/Drink: Braai and Jameson Whiskey
Favourite Music: Hits of the 60s and 70s
Favourite Sport: Golf and mountain biking
Favourite Website: Amazon
Hobbies: Playing sport, hiking, water sports
Car: Land Rover
Pets: I have a dog
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Dishonesty, laziness, people who think the world owes them
Favourite Other South African Company: Boxer Stores
Favourite Foreign Company: Schneider Electric
Married: To Colette Raetzer, since December 19, 1981
Children: I am a proud father of two daughters: Nicole, 35, and Monique, 33
Clubs: Royal Durban Golf Club and Durban Ski Boat Club