Where are you from and how did you start your Thai business?
I’m originally from London, England. I first set up my business at home with one employee. The company now has a staff of 11 in two prime office locations.

What did you do before you come to Phuket?
I was a project manager for the Royal Mail.

What made you decided to come and live here?
It’s the lifestyle really. Warm weather, good food and low living costs.

Tell us how you run a successful business.
The first rule is hard work. I work ten hours a day, six days a week. The most important person is the client. In this respect my philosophy is simple. Listen to the customer, understand their needs and expectations and provide an honest, accurate, reliable and professional service. You’ve got to create a good working environment and structure the organisation in such a way that your staff learn to think for themselves and work with each other to achieve common goals. My role is to recognize good work and offer support when it’s needed. My aim is to have a motivated team who can work together to help our clients to fulfill their dreams

What’s your plan for 2009?
To reinforce our status here in Phuket as a company people can trust.

Would you tell me about your family?
I live together with my fiancée and our five month old dog. Tell us about your lifestyle. I work hard during the day and relax in the evening, watching football and spending time with my family. When I have some free time I like to go to the beach or try a different restaurant.

What do you like most about living in Phuket?
Knowing that I can eat good food, enjoy the weather, swim in the sea or go out for a night’s entertainment, whenever I want.

And what's the hardest thing about living here?
Being constantly mistaken for a tourist does test one’s patience sometimes.

Any other thoughts you would like to share?
Respect and enjoy our island and be careful on the roads.

Are you originally from Phuket?
Yes, I was born here.

Could you tell us about your previous career and how
you came to start your own business?
I was originally
employed in merchandising and then ran a pineapple farm for many years. Nothing to do with cars, but I’ve always been a car enthusiast and one day I got an opportunity to do an apprenticeship in car repair. Thereafter I began re-building old cars along with help from my friends. They sold well. The business prospered and the company now runs three showrooms.

What is your major responsibility?
I am mainly concerned
to ensure that the cars we offer for sale are in good condition.

Why do you think you have been successful?
Besides choosing only the best quality units for re-sale, we providefirst-class aftersales support. We encourage people to come back to us if they have a problem. We’ll always do our best to sort it out. The best advert in this business is a satisfied customer.

Who are your main customers?
I’d say about 70% Thais and 30% foreigners.

Have you ever thought of retirement?
Yes, if I can find somebody reliable to run the business, but I would always like to find something to do to keep me busy. Right now I’m building a house with a swimming pool.

Could you tell us about your private life?
I’ve got three daughters – two are studying in Bangkok and one is here in Phuket. I’m a family man really. On Sundays, I like to be home with my loved ones. Occasionally, we’ll go out for a meal.

Do you have any plans for your children?
Yes. I’d like them to first obtain a bachelor’s degree, and thereafter to gain commercial experience. It’d be nice if they were in due course to take over the family business. Of course, the decision will be up to them. I’m afraid you cannot force these matters.

How is Phuket in your view?
Phuket’s success relies on tourism, but this means lots of people, so the island is no longer the haven of tranquility that it once was. We Thais love peace and quiet. Having said that though, I still believe that Thailand is the best place in the world to live – good weather, good security and economic stability.