Dale Wilson is most proud of his family, his family, and his family - but also the role distribution plays in IT
What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
My first job was at a company called Castlet Electronics and I was on a youth training scheme. Castlet made electrostatic precipitator power and control units (bet you're glad you asked).
My first job in IT was by pure chance. I met the MD of a company at a training session and asked, "how do you get into a job like this?" His reply? "Ask me - I own the company." The rest is history.
Planes, trains or automobiles?
Planes, because it means I am going on holiday.
What could prompt you to give it all up and join the revolution?
Nothing - I am revolting enough.
Should Prince William shave his head?
Yes, because bald is beautiful.
What was the best business trip or junket you have ever experienced?
A McAfee partner conference because it was in Las Vegas and we had two days to ourselves before the conference started.
If you had to choose one leisure activity, would you choose an art or a sport?
Photography - it allows people to see things through my eyes.
What never fails to make you laugh?
The 1990s TV show Men Behaving Badly - silly comedy.
Where would you like to go or what would you like to do on your next holiday?
Australia, because I have never been.
If someone shrank you to the size of a pencil and put you in a blender, how would you get out?
In a mess, I guess.
Would you rather draw up the plans, or carry them out?
Draw them up. That way I can use my own experiences to plan, and not those of others.
Is telling little white lies wrong? If so, under what circumstances?
In most cases yes - the only time they are OK is to protect the ones you love.
What will be the most important trend to follow in 2013?
Mmm, don't sheep follow?
What would you like to have as your epitaph?
Simple: "The best husband and father in the world".
Is there a long-term future for IT distribution?
Definitely. IT distribution is probably one of those things you would not miss until it was gone. Until people have worked in distribution and fully understand the role it plays in IT, they will never appreciate its importance. There would be far fewer IT vendors if it were not for distribution.
What are your three greatest accomplishments (so far)?
Being a father to my daughter, a husband to my wife and a credit to my parents.
Can politicians ever be trusted on IT?
No - most don't understand it and are advised by people who are not really in a position to advise them.
What is the best way to get UK plc growing again? Please explain your idea and why it will work.
Give all working people a one-off payment of £1,500 that they must spend on a UK product and stipulate that they cannot save or invest the cash. I'm not sure if it would help, but I would enjoy spending the money.
Your closest near-death experience?
I nearly drowned at Skegness when I was three years old.
If you were king or queen, what would you do first?
Cut through all the silly laws that protect obvious criminals.
How do you try to cheer yourself up when you're feeling down? Does it work?
I am never down. Take a look around you - there are people who'd love to have what you have.
Dale Wilson is major account manager at Cloud Distribution
