Full Name: Ross Collard
Position: MD of Case Construction (CSE)
Main Activity of the Company: CSE distributes Case earthmoving equipment throughout South Africa through a dealer network focused on sales, parts and backup service
Date and Place of Birth: April 7, 1972, Scotland
Education: FMP, Gordon Institute of Business Science
First Job: Earthmoving equipment apprentice
Career History Prior to Current Position: Barloworld Equipment – sales manager, KwaZulu-Natal; HPE – branch manager, KwaZulu-Natal; Barloworld Equipment – workshop manager, sales representative, technical representative, service supervisor, artisan and apprentice
Size of First Pay Packet: About R20 an hour when I was an apprentice
First Job with Present Group: MD of CSE, since January 1, 2017
Value of Assets under Your Control: About R100-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: About 50 nationally
Management Style: Firm and fair; treat people as you would like to be treated
Personal Best Achievement: Progressing steadily throughout my working life, adding value wherever I have been and creating strong relationships in my field
Professional Best Achievement: Being appointed MD of CSE
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife, Natalie
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Tony Sinclair – he showed faith in me and has given me the opportunity to perform at this level
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Steve Jobs
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Elon Musk
Philosophy of Life: If you do not enjoy it, do not do it
Biggest Ever Opportunity: My current position
Hope for the Future: That I succeed in all my roles
Favourite Reading: Biographies, sport and business
Favourite TV Programme: Gold Rush
Favourite Food/Drink: Lasagne and beer
Favourite Music: Rock – however, with two youngsters, I am enjoying the latest pumping tunes
Favourite Sport: Golf and rugby, especially school rugby – it is so passionate, I can stand next to the field all day
Favourite Website: Google
Hobbies: School sports and golf, although I am pretty average
Car: Toyota Fortuner
Pets: Sasha the Worsie
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Being late
Favourite Other South African Company: Nando’s
Favourite Foreign Company: Apple
Married: To Natalie, since November 1, 1997
Children: Nicholas, 17; Matthew, 12
Clubs: Not stated