Full Name: Darryn Jacobs

Position and Company Name: MD of SkyJacks

Main Activity of the Company: SkyJacks offers a range of access and lifting equipment and related services. This includes temporary suspended platforms, mobile elevated work platforms, telehandlers, construction hoists, mini cranes, as well as loading test and inspection services and industry-related training

Date and Place of Birth: July 15, 1977, Durban

Schools and Tertiary Education: Matric, Durban High School; BTech (Civil Engineering – Structures), University of Johannesburg (UJ); BTech Business Administration), UJ; Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, Management College of Southern Africa (Mancosa); MBA, Mancosa

First Job: As an engineering student, I worked at Jet Stores as a causal weekend worker, earning R5 to R7 an hour

Size of First Pay Packet: R2 000 a month as a trainee engineer

Career Path to Date: I began my career as a trainee site engineer at LTA Civil Engineering before joining Waco Africa, working with Form-Scaff. These roles built my foundation in construction support services, safety standards, and project execution. I later advanced into divisional and operational leadership roles at Form-Scaff, gaining extensive experience in formwork and access solutions, business development, and operational management. This progression led to my appointment as MD of SkyJacks in December 2025

Number of People under Your Leadership: 171

Management Style: I practise servant leadership, often described as ‘leading from behind’, and embrace change. Inspired by Spencer Johnson’s Who Moved My Cheese?, I approach challenges by asking: If fear weren’t part of the picture today, what action would I take next? My leadership style is grounded in integrity, accountability with a bias for action, open communication and collaboration

Personal Best Achievement: My children, being the first person in my family to earn a university degree, and obtaining a master’s degree before the age of 40

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My grandfather, Daniel Peter Jones, who was a dedicated school principal in the Eastern Cape. His unmatched work ethic saw him rise at 03:00 daily to catch a taxi to work, never once complaining. He embodied resilience, humility and quiet dedication, shaping the future of countless students through his example and commitment

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My family

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Lewis Hamilton

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Johan Rupert, CEO of Richemont

Philosophy of Life: Nothing ventured, nothing gained

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Being involved in the building of stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which South Africa hosted and was the first to be staged on African soil

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Losing my sister when she was nine months pregnant in 2008

Hope for the Future: A future for my children, and prosperity and abundance for all in the world

Favourite Reading: Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, Animal Farm by George Orwell, and Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter

Favourite TV Programme: I used to enjoy a show called California Highway Patrol (CHiPs). Recently, I have been enjoying Young Sheldon

Favourite Food/Drink: T-bone steak or Eisbein, with a chocolate milkshake or a fruit smoothy

Favourite Music: I enjoy a variety of genres – from heavy metal to rap. My favourite song is Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door by Guns N’ Roses

Favourite Sport: Golf, rugby and soccer

Hobbies: Golf, working out in the gym, tennis, and general DIY around the house

Car: A 2013 BMW X3

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Lawlessness and litter

Married: To Miscelene Jacobs

Children: Bryden, 19; Rhys, 16

Clubs: Blue Valley Golf Estate and Country Club