Full Name: Colin Alexander Ford
Position: MD of Lubrication Engineers South Africa
Main Activity of the Company: Importation and distribution of enhanced lubricants and equipment
Date and Place of Birth: September 21, 1965
Education: High schooling at Northcliff High; national higher diploma (building), Wits Technikon; Certified Professional for Lubrication Technology, University of South Africa; lubrication engineering qualifications from the South African Institute of Tribology and the International Council for Machinery Lubrication
First Job: Quantity surveyor
Career History Prior to Current Position: Quantity surveyor and director at WEG (32 years)
Size of First Pay Packet: R500 a month
First Job with Present Group: Key account manager
Value of Assets under Your Control: R40-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: 20
Management Style: Consultative
Personal Best Achievement: Having our three children
Professional Best Achievement: Being awarded the International Sales Team of the Year accolade by Lubrication Engineers International
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife and children
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My father, Alex Ford
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Richard Branson
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Sol Kerzner
Philosophy of Life: For every down, there is an up – I always try to look for the positives in any situation
Biggest Ever Opportunity: My current position
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Being let down by people I trusted
Hope for the Future: A better South Africa, where the youth can have hope for a brighter future
Favourite Reading: Any good fiction
Favourite TV Programme: Billions
Favourite Food/Drink: A good steak and red wine
Favourite Music: Acid jazz
Favourite Sport: Formula 1 and rugby
Hobbies: Golf and scuba diving
Car: Land Rover Discovery 4
Pets: Two Maine Coons
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Bad drivers
Favourite Other South African Company: Impala Platinum
Favourite Foreign Company: Lubrication Engineers Inc (US)
Married: To Jill (née Blackbeard), for 30 years
Children: Callum, 26; Gavin, 23; Keiran, 21
Clubs: Bryanston Country Club