Mike Levin, National Director BNI South Africa is well known to all of us who have had the pleasure of chatting to him at our breakfast meetings. While coordinating SuccessNet there were, invariably questions and answer flying between Mike and myself. I learnt some interesting facts which I would like to share with our other members.

Mike was born in Brandfort, Free State in 1952. He attended school at St Andrew’s in Bloemfontein before relocating and completing Matric in Cape Town. After school, as was usual for the time, he was immediately called out for National Service where he spent time on the Border, undergoing several harsh lessons in life.

His career started at Woolworth’s followed by Ackerman’s as National Buyer (non apparel & Food) and he went on to own and manage his own catering business. He hastens to add that BNI is the cherry on top!

His decision to go with BNI was due to a visit to UK in 1998 where he first saw the concept & launched first Chapter 10th October 1998. He was so excited by it that he lost no time in contacting the Headquarters in USA and three weeks later he underwent training and bought the franchise. Launching in South Africa was initially a challenge as it was not received in a very good light. There were so many other “Networks” around the people were skeptical. However, once the concept was clear and people saw how it worked, it was smooth sailing. Growth in the early years was quick and exciting but Mike soon consolidated and BNI now drives to capture quality before quantity. This year (2003) has seen a phenomenal increase from 9 chapters to our current 17.

He has a several amusing stories to tell about his experiences while growing BNI, one of which the members concerned still giggle at his expense. On a visit to a new chapter, where he was not yet very familiar with all the members, he was explaining the “quality before quantity” topic and expressed that “BNI does not invite just any Tom, Dick or Harry to join….” . The Vice President quietly admitted to being a Harry, while a visitor, with raised eyebrows, introduced himself as Tom, and well….. It does suffice to say the meeting threatened to fall apart until the National Director admitted to being a Richard.

BNI South Africa celebrated their 5th year of operation in 2003 and Mike says with a big smile “things are looking great”. Mike recently tied the knot with Shirley and says together with Brett and Terri, (his children), and the constant challenges he faces whilst running BNI, he leads a full and happy life.

His favorite quote remains “’Mind’ your own business” and advice offered to fellow members – a journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step.