Full name: Derek Peter Franks
Position: Group director and co-owner of Stewarts & Lloyds
Main Activity of the Company: Stewarts and Lloyds has been a supplier of steel, tube, pipe, fittings, valves, pumps and irrigation products since 1903
Date and Place of Birth: March 12, 1956, England
Education: BCom, University of South Africa (Unisa); MBL (Unisa)
First Job: Internal sales
Career History Prior to Current Position: Clarkes Steel Stock (UK), Stewarts & Lloyds, Stockwell, and another stint at Stewarts & Lloyds
Size of First Pay Packet: £20 a month
First Job with Present Group: Same as present
Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated
Number of People under Your Leadership: 800
Management Style: Open-door and hands-on
Personal Best Achievement: Summiting Kilimanjaro, participating in ten Argus cycle races, Mount Everest Base Camp, 24 handicap in golf
Professional Best Achievement: Transforming Stewarts & Lloyds back into the successful company it used to be
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: Linda Botha, my partner
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Mike Bell, my first boss
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Winston Churchill
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Adrian Gore, of Discovery
Philosophy of Life: Life is about choices and chances – you make a choice and take a chance
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Playing drums in a pro band
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Nothing of consequence
Hope for the Future: That our children inherit a better world
Favourite Reading: Anything nonfiction
Favourite TV Programme: None
Favourite Food/Drink: Everything
Favourite Music: Everything
Favourite Sport: Cycling, soccer and ice hockey
Favourite Website: Newcastle United
Hobbies: Cycling, squash and drums
Car: BMW
Pets: Two Great Danes and two miniature schnauzers
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Procrastination and dishonesty
Favourite other South African company: Discovery
Favourite Foreign Company: The Trump Organisation
Married: Not stated
Children: Chantel, Richard, Darryl and Alexa
Clubs: Country Club Johannesburg and the Cycle Lab