Full Name: Ernest Blom
Position: Owner of Blom Diamonds
Main Activity of the Company: Diamond polishing and trading
Date and Place of Birth: May 13, 1947, Johannesburg
Education: Matric
First Job: Apprentice diamond polisher
Size of First Pay Packet: R47 a month
Management Style: Lead by example and delegate
Personal Best Achievement: Becoming president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My family
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: The pioneers of the diamond industry
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Abraham Lincoln
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Steve Jobs
Philosophy of Life: Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Starting my own business
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not starting my own business sooner
Hope for the Future: That there is peace and prosperity for all South Africans
Favourite Reading: Autobiographies
Favourite TV Programme: CSI and Homeland
Favourite Food/Drink: Braai/Chardonnay and single-malt whiskey
Favourite Music: Contemporary
Favourite Sport: Rugby
Hobbies: Gym, bush, scuba diving
Car: Volvo, Toyota Land Cruiser
Pets: A Labrador and a Scottish terrier
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Insincere people
Married: To Elna
Children: Aron and Phillip
Clubs: Johannesburg Country Club