A word to the Weisz

Joe Weisz, UK channel sales manager at Kerio Technologies UK Ltd, tells CRN about money, Budapest and why you should never trust anyone with horns and a pointy tail

CRN: Describe your job...

Building and running the two-tier sales channel for Kerio in UK and Ireland.

What was your first job?

HM’s forces.

How much did it pay and was that fair?

Not much, but it made up for it in job satisfaction – if you liked pain and destruction that is.

Have you ever been sacked and why?

Not by anyone that mattered.

Who’s the worst boss you ever had?

There is no such thing as a bad boss, just poor communication. Getting along with associates at all levels is part of the job, and life. However, I have come across one or two fairly misguided individuals in high places in my time.

What’s the secret of making money?

Let the ink dry before you move the paper.

What do you inspire most in colleagues: trust, fear, respect or jealousy?

Depends on the colleague, but probably all four at one time or another.

‘Golf is a good walk spoiled.’ Do you agree?

I hope to find out one day when I have the time to play.

Which is the most dynamic and inspiring IT vendor?

The one I’m working with at the time. If it wasn’t, I’d be working elsewhere.

Does Bill Gates get a fair press?

Does anyone?

Would you rather be McNealy, Gates or Ellison?

I’m happy with who I am; hope they are too

Have you ever punched anyone?

No one that didn’t deserve it.

Is the IT industry ageist?

Only the youngsters in it.

Is the US inherently more entrepreneurial than the UK?

No, it’s just bigger.

Should the euro be abolished?

Money is money. One million pounds or one million euros, if you are offering, I’m taking.

What could Gordon Brown do to help the UK IT industry thrive?

Emigrate. The industry should be looking to itself for assistance rather than to politicians. Would you seek assistance from any guy with horns and a pointy tail?

Which is more satisfying: money or power?

Is there a difference?

What’s a better status symbol: a car or a boat?

On the road it’s a car, on the sea it is certainly a boat. However, status is like beauty: it’s in the eye of the beholder.

Would you rather have a cool house in the country or a top city penthouse?

I’d prefer a small island retreat near Havana.

Which is your favourite city?

Budapest as I’ve got lots of friends and family there.

Can you be too rich?

Only a person who isn’t can ask such a question.