Bill Roddie, is the managing director of of Spectrum Properties (Scotland), which is involved in various types of property development and investment.
The family-owned business has more than 700 business space units, mostly in Glasgow, covering industrial, workshop, office and manufacturing units, as well as commercial land and storage.
In recent years, the business has got more involved in residential development, specialising in restoring historic residential properties, including the former home at Great Western Terrace of Sir William Burrell, which in 2013 was converted into six apartments.
In April, Spectrum bought the Mansion House in Tollcross Park from Shettleston Housing Association and plans to spend £1m to convert it into 13 apartments for rental.
What five words would friends or colleagues use to describe you?
Hardworking, committed, stick to plan.
If you could choose anyone, who would be your fantasy board members and why?
For their collective wisdom and experience, I would choose Andy Carnegie, Richard Branson, Robert Maxwell and Donald Trump.
How about your fantasy dinner party guests and why?
Same as above, plus Winston Churchill, The Queen, The Pope and Elvis Presley.
What is your favourite way to unwind?
Sailing and working in the garden.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given…
Be open to learning as there’s always someone bigger and better.
Only hard work will get you where you want to be.
And what advice would you give to the next generation of business leaders?
Stick to what you know. Don’t dilute too much and spread yourself too thin.
You should exhaust all avenues in your own sphere first.
If you were in charge of Scotland, what would you change and why?
I’d be looking at taxes and reducing them to make it more appealing for smaller business to get up and running - incentivising businesses to growth is key.
Property rates need some serious attention as well.
What sport are you interested in and who do you follow?
The Rangers great Willie Waddell was a distant relative of my dad’s, so I went to Ibrox a lot when I was younger.
However, the older I got, I realised there was money to be made on a Saturday afternoon instead of going to watch football.
Sport-wise these days, I enjoy tennis, sailing and football occasionally.
What is your earliest childhood memory?
My dad worked in a bakery and would return home with rolls for the family after his nightshift.
I have a memory of being a toddler and one of my phrases was ‘roll and tea’, so my dad would make a roll and jam, proceed to flatten and then give it to me so it was easier for me to eat.
Describe a perfect day/night/weekend:
When a plan comes together.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Has to be Brad Pitt!
What is your signature dish to cook?
Sunday roast, although I don’t do it enough.
If you could choose your last meal on Earth, what would it be?
Mac'n'cheese.
What is your karaoke song or party piece?
Has to be an Elvis number, or even Ronan Keating.
If I’m on a roll and having a good time then no one else will get a shot of the microphone.
What is your favourite place in Scotland?
Dalmarnock in the east end by Glasgow Green; I’ve been in business here for 33 years.
Don't miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter - sign up here for free.
