Omari Bowers
Omari Bowers, the 34-year-old founder of Global Forestry Investments, on Brazilian plantations, Liverpool FC and Kelly Rowland.
Name: Omari Bowers
Age: 34
Company: Global Forestry Investments
Turnover: £6-7m
First job: A shop assistant at the clothes shop called Mr Byrites.
Dream job: Professional football player for Liverpool FC.
Car: I prefer to cycle rather than drive.
Economy, business or first class: It depends on the airline. My first pick would be first class with Emirates because of their incredible hospitality, but if I was flying with BA I’d choose business class as it’s just as good!
Most extravagant purchase: My plantations in Brazil.
Most played song on your iPod: "Motivation" by Kelly Rowland. I play it on the way to the office to get me ready for the day.
Best business book: Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson and The Secret by Ronda Bryne.
Worst business moment: When I first started to work for myself, I lost £90,000 while doing a property deal; though it taught me a lot and has been a good lesson in getting to where I am today.
Proudest business moment: The launch of Global Forestry Investments’ first plantation, the Belém Sky Plantation.
Your business mentor: Andrew, my business partner, he’s on the same wave length as me and inspires me every day to keep pushing the boundaries. My Dad is another of my business mentors and has been from a very young age – he taught me the value of a good hard day’s work.