John McCullagh.

Oct 24 2006 By Evening Gazette

Managing Director of Rosedene Nurseries, of Marske, and Marske Machine Company, Middlesbrough.

What did you want to be when you were young?
I wanted to be a motor mechanic right up until I left school. From six years old I was mad about cars. By ten I could happily rebuild an Alfa Romeo twin cam engine and gearbox on my own.

How much was your first wage and what did you spend it on?
I used to work in my dad's engineering business. I remember working four weeks to earn £120.

What's your dream job, other than you current one?
I am probably too old to dream of a career change now but if I had my time again I think that I would consider either architecture or law.

What's the best piece of business advice you have received?
My father once told me: "If you are not sure what to do, take your time and think about it until you are sure what to do".

And the worst?
Some people say that there is no such thing as bad advice, but they are wrong. I have heard some real rubbish in my time in business.

What is your philosophy when it comes to business?
Tell the truth and treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.

What are your hobbies?
My time away from work is almost fully spent supporting my children's hobbies. However I do enjoy following the Boro, an occasional game of tennis and the odd extreme sporting outing.

What's your top business or financial tip?
Henry Ford said: "Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs". Running a business is not that complicated, but you must remain focused on what it is you are trying to achieve.

What scares you?
I am not a person that is easily scared however I do wonder what might happen if some of our world leaders don't stop picking their fights around the globe.

What would you choose as your epitaph?
I will leave that for others to decide, but I will do my best while I am here to be worth remembering when I am gone!