Deon de Villiers

Full Name: Deon de Villiers

Position and Company Name: MD of Strata Logistics

Main Activity of the Company: Strata Logistics is a bespoke logistics and line-haul solutions provider that operates a fleet of 75 vehicles, serving all major centres in South Africa

Date and Place of Birth: I was born in Boksburg, on Gauteng’s East Rand

Schools and Tertiary Education: I attended Rand Afrikaans University (now the University of Johannesburg), graduating with a BCom degree in industrial psychology in 1985 and a higher education diploma in 1986

First Job: Encyclopaedia and car spares salesperson

Career History Prior to Current Position: I worked for various freight and distribution companies before founding Strata Logistics about 22 years ago

Size of First Pay Packet: R2 500 a month

First Job with Present Group: I founded the business in August 2002

Value of Assets under Your Control: About R50-million

Number of People under Your Leadership: 65

Management Style: I am a bit of a control freak but am trying to let go a little

Personal Best Achievement: I have completed 17 Cape Argus Cycle races over the years and am a 14 handicap golfer

Professional Best Achievement: Running my own business for the past 22 years

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My late father and Gary Player, the legendary South African golfer who, over the course of his career, won nine major championships, including three Masters titles, three Open championships, two PGA championships and a US Open

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: None

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: None

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: None

Philosophy of Life: The devil is in the detail

Biggest Ever Opportunity: In 2002, I was awarded my own contract on a handshake, and that moment stands out as one of the most significant opportunities of my career

Biggest Ever Disappointment: The passing on of my mother and father

Hope for the Future: To retire in Cape Town

Favourite Reading: I enjoy reading autobiographies

Favourite TV Programme: Yellowstone, an American series created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson that premiered on June 20, 2018, on the Paramount Network (formerly Spike TV) and quickly became a major hit

Favourite Food/Drink: Braai and any beer

Favourite Music: Queen, one of the most influential and successful rock bands in music history, known for its ground-breaking sound, elaborate live performances and catalogue of hits

Favourite Sport: Golf, Formula 1 and rugby

Favourite Website: YouTube

Hobbies: Cycling, playing golf and working out in the gym

Car: Toyota Land Cruiser

Pets: I have a dog

Miscellaneous Dislikes: I hate lazy and entitled people

Favourite Other South African Company: None

Favourite Foreign Company: None

Married: Yes, to Rene Norris since February 1990

Children: Chane, 33; Tyron, 29

Clubs: Well, if you are asking about golf clubs, then yes – I have a Titleist driver and a set of Taylormade P790 irons in my bag!