I asked Hannes how he sees his businesses – construction and property management services; ‘how’s business?’ over the next quarter?
… going to soften due to lower oil prices. I don’t expect growth in 2015.
And over the next five years?
… our cycles seem to be getting shorter, and more extreme. The question is, how fast will we recover? Bigger and faster than you might expect …
What qualities distinguish your preferred colleagues, collaborators and suppliers?
… first, I have to decide if there are reasons not to do business with them. Loyalty depends on performance. Can I trust them?
What distinguishes you that causes people to choose Hannes Kovac and OPUS Corporation, why do they do business with you?
… trust. Relationships. Straight shooter. We don’t advertise. All our business comes from referrals, word of mouth.
How would you describe your leadership or management style?
… informal. We have a family-like, rally-the-troops, atmosphere. Transparent. I like to tell stories rather than give advice.
What do you lose sleep over, what do you worry about?
… I’m usually worry-free. There is a fine line between being out of touch and denial.
Who or what influenced you most – that has made a difference in your life, or that was a major turning point?
… my dad. Family values. Hard working. I fought with him! … getting laid-off in Vancouver. My dog Rocco (a lab) died in March. I cried a lot then.
Work life balance, do you have it?
… absolutely not!. I’m very active. Can’t sit still.
For fun?
… family, sports, travel. Water skiing, scuba diving, mountain biking. Downhill ‘out-of-bounds’ skiing in Fernie. In terms of fitness, I do something every day. My body is showing signs of abuse …
What do you read?
… newspapers – three every day (Herald, Globe, NY Times), European newspapers on-line. I like Malcolm Gladwell’s books.
His ride?
… BMW X3, Honda Odyssey, BMW convertible, Volvo wagon – with young kids and our family lifestyle the activity and destination determine which vehicle we take.