Leading questions: Don Braid

Don Braid with daughters Emily, 7 (rear), and Sarah, 4. Photo / Glen Jeffrey

Don Braid
CEO Mainfreight

Mainfreight managing director Don Braid is a staunch supporter of keeping the transport company in New Zealand hands. It is now an established offshore business with an $887 million turnover and 139 branches around the world.

How would you describe 2006 for Mainfreight?

It was a satisfactory year. We have consolidated our position as an international business which will bring further rewards for our team and New Zealanders as we continue to expand offshore.

What was your or Mainfreight's greatest achievement?

Convincing the market that we are now an international business.

And greatest disappointment?

That we didn't make some more money.

What do you think 2007 will bring for Mainfreight?

It will be another exciting year for Mainfreight. We are passionately excited about what we have going on and it will be great fun.

What will be the major challenges for Mainfreight?

Continuing to convince our people of the advantages of being in larger populated areas and the opportunities that exist in those markets.

What do you expect from the economy in 2007 and how will that affect Mainfreight?

We have probably got to the position where we don't expect too much from the economy. We would rather continue to improve our business to take advantage of what might be in the economy.

What was the most interesting business story of 2006?

Apart from the growth in Mainfreight? Was there one? I'm not sure.

Who was your mentor? What did they teach you?

The founders of Mainfreight continue to be the mentors for the team at Mainfreight. We continue to stand on the shoulders of those who started us.

Where are you going for the holidays?

I am going to spend some valuable family time on the water out on the Gulf on a newly acquired boat.

What will you be reading?

Fiction - nothing too serious - and lots of bedtime stories for my little ones.