Full Name: Schalk van der Merwe
Position and Company Name: GM of the industrial water tube division at John Thompson
Main Activity of the Company: John Thompson is involved in the design, manufacture, building and maintenance of industrial and utility boiler plant, as well as the design, manufacture and supply of flue-gas cleanup and air-quality management equipment and systems
Date and Place of Birth: May 16, 1984, Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal
Schools and Tertiary Education: Matric, Grey College, Bloemfontein, 2002; BEng (Mechatronics), Stellenbosch University, 2006; MSc (Engineering), Stellenbosch University, 2009
First Job: Research and development engineer at John Thompson
Size of First Pay Packet: R15 000 a month
Career Path to Date: I started working for John Thompson straight from university. I started off as a research and development engineer in the industrial water tube division in 2013 and was appointed engineering manager in 2017 and GM for the industrial water tube business unit in late 2022
Number of People under Your Leadership: The number varies from time to time but currently stands at 56 employees
Management Style: I like to lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism and a strong work ethic. I tend to set high standards and to show dedication to our organisation’s mission, and I am always willing to roll up my sleeves when needed
Personal Best Achievement: Raising three children; every day is an achievement
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My father
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Former Zimbabwean cricketer and current cricket commentator Pommie Mbangwa
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Elon Musk
Philosophy of Life: Life is short – live it
Biggest Ever Opportunity: My current position as GM
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not completing my PhD studies
Hope For the Future: Positive growth for South Africa
Favourite Reading: Thriller novels by Deon Meyer
Favourite TV Programme: American television sitcom Arrested Development
Favourite Food/Drink: Steak and brandy
Favourite Music: The music of Fleetwood Mac, the British-American rock band formed in London in 1967, and Spoegwolf, the Afrikaans rock band from Paarl, in the Western Cape
Favourite Sport: Chess
Hobbies: I have a well-equipped garage for woodwork and steel fabrication, and am currently very much into making knives
Car: A Land Cruiser 80 series 1996 model
Pets: Two beagles
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Dishonesty
Married: To Huibre
Clubs: Does the Spur count?