Full Name: Mark Houchin
Position: MD of Aury Africa and Wellyear Africa
Main Activity of Company: Import and sales of mineral processing equipment
Date and Place of Birth: May 14, 1964, Cape Town
Education: National higher diploma in chemistry
First job: Chemist at Mintek
Size of First Pay Packet: R400 a month
Value of the Assets under Your Control: R30-million – and growing rapidly
Number of People under Your Leadership: 30
Management Style: Open-door and participative
Personal Best achievement: Setting up Aury Africa and Wellyear Africa
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Probably the not-to-be-named boss on the mines who made me realise that I did not want to end up like him
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Richard Dawkins or the Dalai Lama
Person Who Has Impressed You Most: Richard Branson, for his achievements, and Bill Gates, for his philanthropy
Philosophy of Life: Investigate every opportunity that comes your way and try not to hurt others in the mad scramble to the top of the heap
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Working with my Chinese investors at Aury and Wellyear
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Nothing springs to mind
Hope for the Future: To see a happy, united and prosperous South Africa
Favourite Raading: Anything – I am an avid reader
Favourite TV Programme: Any sport and Family Guy for light-hearted viewing
Favourite Food/Drink: Chinese hotpot and beer
Favourite Music: Classical
Favourite Sport: Armchair sport of any sort; golf for my own pleasure
Hobbies: Reading
Car: I am devoted to BMW
Pets: Two horses, three cats, six dogs and numerous fowl
Dislikes: Dishonesty and lies
Married: To Sonia since 1995
Children: Kelly, 21; Cole, 1
Clubs: Woodhill Country Club