Dawie Strauss

24th May 2019 By: Martin Creamer - Creamer Media Editor

Dawie Strauss

Full Name: David Jacobus Strauss

Position: MD of Superior Pressure Solutions (Spress)

Main Activity of the Company: Manufacture, sales and maintenance of high-pressure equipment in the greater African continent and neighbouring islands

Date and Place of Birth: May 13, 1981, Bloemfontein

Education: CA (SA)

First Job: Auditor clerk

Size of First Pay Packet: R6 000 a month

Management Style: Motivating people and providing strategic direction

Personal Best Achievement: Completing the Comrades Marathon in 2018

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife, Louise

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: It is difficult to mention just one, as I have been fortunate to work with many great mentors and peers

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: I would have loved to have met Nelson Mandela

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Warren Buffett

Philosophy of Life: No half measures – whatever you do, do it flat out

Biggest Ever Opportunity: The opportunity I have now to lead and grow Spress

Biggest Ever Disappointment: The fact that corruption has impacted on the economic and social growth of our beautiful country

Hope for the Future: That our country reaches its full potential – there are endless opportunities. I also want my children and their children to have a future and a home in South Africa

Favourite Reading: Any good inspirational true story. I am currently reading Shoe Dog, by Nike cofounder Phil Knight

Favourite TV Programme: SuperSport

Favourite Food/Drink: Steak/brandy and Coke

Favourite Music: Rock/alternative music

Favourite Sport: Golf, rugby and soccer

Hobbies: Running, fishing and hunting

Car: VW Amarok

Pets: A leopard gecko and a hamster

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Mediocrity and procrastination

Married: To Louise, for ten years

Children: David, 8; Jona, 6; Isabella, 4

Clubs: Vitality Running Club