Feeling the ‘pane’ of one ill-advised buy

Robert More, founder of luxury tourism company the More group of top-end lodges and boutique hotels, talks to Adele Shevel about his dad’s influence, keeping PG Glass in business and how he makes debt work for him

What is your money weakness?

At times, I can be penny wise and pound foolish. Are you good with money or irresponsible?

I think I am good with it, but I do struggle with trusting other people or institutions to look after it for me. What did your childhood teach you about money?

My dad was incredible at teaching us about profit and the importance of it. He also taught us about how money can empower one to achieve great things and make a mark, like the fuel in the car. What is your biggest extravagance?

Flying business class to London for a two-night stay to attend an evening at the English National Opera’s Coliseum to celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary. What is the one thing you wish you had never bought?

A catapult for my son, who has successfully kept PG Glass in business since. What has been your best buy?

My Dell touch-screen notebook. It is simple and beautiful. Do you have many credit cards and store cards?

Two credit cards — one personal, one business. What kind of car do you drive and do you rate cars in terms of practicality, speed or looks?

A Land Rover Discovery 4. I know it is a little predictable for being in the luxury safari industry, but it has classic style and practicality. I think Land Rover owns the space of classic style and design. The engineering of the car is inspiring and there is sufficient space inside for us to lose our twins on a long-haul journey. Have you ever been in debt?

I am always in debt. I guess it is the nature of an entrepreneur to use the bank’s money to make more money. Q: What was your first job and how much did you earn?

My first job was working at a Protea hotel in Swaziland earning R986.60 a month. How do you invest?

I put my money back into the businesses and people that I am working with, because this is the way I will ensure growth and wealth creation. Now that you are better off, are you happier?

Money has never motivated me. However, I recognise that it certainly makes the ride in life much easier.

I think I would rather answer this by saying I am less stressed with a stronger cash flow, but my happiness transcends my bank balance. How do you tip? Are you an easy tipper or do they have to work hard for you?

I tip attitude rather than the service experience. I don’t tip poor attitude, but I am very generous when the opposite applies. Have you ever been really hard up?

This is a tough one, because everyone’s hard up is so different. So, with respect to those South Africans who are really hard up, of which there are too many, I am and have always been fine. What is the most lucrative job you have ever done? Did you use your money for anything special?

My business is constantly growing so the job is never quite done, but have we had great results for which performance bonuses have been given? Yes. I do reward myself if we achieve great results, but this is generally a modest reward allowing the success to be reinvested. Are you a saver or a spender?

I’m an investor. What is the best money advice you have ever been given?

It is tough to make and easy to lose. Do you have special money plans for 2014?

Our business is at a very exciting stage in a positive marketplace, so we have some great new projects we are backing. However, at the same time we are very conscious of market volatility and will ensure we keep a solid reserve.