One man, one world, one sport

Just try to get Jon Atherton to stop talking about his favourite sport - golf - and you might regret it

What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
I was a trainee cable engineer and installed one of the first computerised ticketing systems at Everton football ground. I've been at Entatech now for 21 years after initially joining the company in the sales department - we were a much smaller operation back then.

Planes, trains or automobiles?
Automobiles, because I am totally in control.

In my dreams...
...I'd be a world-class golfer, teeing off for Europe on the first day, in the first group, as the first driver in the Ryder Cup.

What was the best business trip or junket you have ever experienced?
The Entatech Golf Invitational 2013, which was in the beautiful setting of Vilamoura, Portugal. There were three days of pure golf: bliss!

If you had to choose one leisure activity, would you choose an art or a sport?
Without a doubt, sport. That would be golf; some would say I'm a pro.

Are you going to the CRN Channel Awards this year?
Yes, I attend every year and it is a fantastic evening to be part of.

What would you like to do next weekend?
Play a round of golf at Augusta (a famous US golf links) - obviously.

Which four famous people (living or dead) would you like to invite to your next dinner party?
Winston Churchill: A massive political figure; dinner table politics could get interesting!
Eric Morecambe: It's good to have a bit of humour after a political debate.
Mohammed Ali or Bill Shankly: Sports heroes.
Marilyn Monroe: What better way to inject some glamour at a dinner party than to have the one and only Marilyn Monroe?

What will be the most important trend to follow in 2014?
Each year there are new trends within the IT industry, and 2014 happens to be all about following the trends of health IT and wearable tech. It is important to keep up with the ever-evolving IT industry.

Your closest near-death experience?
Going on invites with my channel managers. Crazy!

What are the characteristics of the perfect channel partner?
One that is innovative, loyal, open to new ideas and services, with an evolving product range, and that is keen to work hard and grow the business with us.

What is one thing you miss from being a kid but you no longer do or can do?
The fact that the world was just plain sailing, with no cares or worries.

What are you reading?
BBC news every day, and books occasionally.

What was the last film you saw and what did you think of it?
Flight, which stars Denzel Washington. A great film, not what you'd expect, with a good twist at the end.

Golf is a good walk wasted. Discuss!
Golf is never a wasted task!

If you had your time again, what would be your next choice of career?
Other than a becoming a professional golfer, I'd like to be something like an engineer where I could make use of a skill I'd learned.

Jon Atherton is director and vice president of Entatech UK