Full Name: Lex Winson
Position: Service manager, Goscor Lift Truck
Main Activity of the Company: After-sales support
Date and Place of Birth: December 17, 1962, Zimbabwe
Education: Not stated
First Job: Apprentice at Besco, the dealer for Hyster forklift trucks in East London
Career History Prior to Current Position: I worked for Barloworld for about 19 years and for CTC Bus Company, based in King William’s Town, for eight years and also owned a small poultry business for about three-and-a-half years before joining Liebherr Africa, where I worked from 2008 to 2016, working my way up from technical manager to national service manager
Size of First Pay Packet: As an apprentice in the early 1980s, I earned R95 a week
First Job with Present Group: Service manager, Goscor Lift Truck Company, Johannesburg
Value of Assets under Your Control: I would guess millions of rands, if one takes into account the equipment out in the marketplace with our customer base
Number of People under Your Leadership: A total of 95, of whom 11 are direct reports
Management Style: Leading by example
Personal Best Achievement: Succeeding in my career and being able to grow and develop from apprentice to national service manager
Professional Best Achievement: Enjoying my job and having passion for what I believe in
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My immediate family and my wife
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My wife
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: No one in particular
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: No one stands out. I derive my inspiration from various businesspersons and try to apply what works best in terms of achieving my objectives
Philosophy of Life: Treat people the way you would like to be treated yourself; take time to listen and give guidance, where possible
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Being successful at what I apply my mind to
Biggest Ever Disappointment: None
Hope for the Future: That I am successful in the opportunity that has been afforded me within the Goscor Lift Truck division
Favourite Reading: I do not really read much
Favourite TV Programme: Wildlife and geographical
Favourite Food/Drink: Steak and braai – I am not a big drinker but I enjoy a social beer at braais
Favourite Music: Country
Favourite Sport: I have started playing golf and I am enjoying it; 4 × 4 challenges and outdoor activitie
Favourite Website: None
Hobbies: Building up old cars, playing golf and undertaking general house improvements
Car: Mainly all-wheel-drive-type and V8 power cars
Pets: All animals
Miscellaneous Dislikes: None
Favourite Other South African Company: None
Favourite Foreign Company: Liebherr Mobile Cranes
Married: To Lesley De Villiers, since August 7, 1982
Children: Candice, 32; Joanne, 30