Full Name: Dean Taylor
Position: CEO of Diamcor
Main Activity of the Company: Acquisition and development of diamond projects that demonstrate potential for near-term production, cash flow and earnings; currently advancing the Krone-Endora diamond mining project, in South Africa's Limpopo province
Date and Place of Birth: September 9, 1964, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada
Education: High school, some college, but serial entrepreneur for over 30 years
First Job: Delivering newspapers
Size of First Pay Packet: I cannot remember. But I delivered a lot of papers in both summer and the harsh Canadian winters, and was able to ultimately get a better job with the newspaper . . . inside!
Value of Assets under Your Control: The company has a market capitalisation of $55-million (R575-million) and is growing
Number of People under Your Leadership: About 80 employees
Management Style: Surround yourself with good people, give them opportunity and see who rises to the top through hard work and determination
Personal Best Achievement: My family
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: Probably my parents and extended family
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: I guess the various people I worked for throughout the years, who helped me to learn about business and afforded me the opportunity to get to where I am today
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: The next person who will become a friend or associate
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Warren Buffett
Philosophy of Life: Work hard, be happy
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Always the one I am currently working on
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Disappointments are just issues you haven’t fixed yet
Hope for the Future: That Diamcor succeeds for all stakeholders involved and continues to grow
Favourite Reading: Business and general interest
Favourite TV Programme: Sports and documentary-related programming
Favourite Food/Drink: Italian food/wines
Favourite Music: Anything upbeat
Favourite Sport: Hockey
Hobbies: Golf
Car: BMW
Pets: A cat
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Negativity, dishonesty, laziness
Married: To Linda
Children: Alissa, 26
Clubs/Organisational Memberships: Various – I have held directorships/executive positions on and off for 15 years