If I weren't in business, I'd probably be a mechanic ...".

• Position: Leading View - Brief Article - Interview

Q What is your most prized possession?

"My conscience. I've never done anything to purposely harm anyone. I think that's my most valuable possession as I see it. I'm not exactly a guy that's motivated by physical possessions. I make a lot of money, but that's never been a motivator for me."

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Q If you weren't in this business, what other line of work can you imagine yourself doing?

"If I weren't in business, I'd probably be a mechanic or a heavy equipment operator. I like to keep busy; something to do with building things or fixing things."

Q Have you ever met anyone famous?

"In my business in 30 years, I've met a lot of people. I've had dinner with Castro. I've met George Bush Sr., Prince Phillip, presidents of countries; I've been around a long time.

(On dinner with Castro). "We were looking to make an investment in Cuba in pulp and paper industry. We had dinner and discussed business propositions. It was a private dinner with some of his ministers around. He spoke Spanish and I spoke English and we communicated well. We have a tissue mill in Cuba that we own jointly with the Cuban state company and...