“FOR the one that makes it, there are thousands who don’t.”

If Ben Crosby sounds a little rueful, he is.

Mr Crosby is a director at family-run catering equipment supplier Crosbys.

The 25-year-old firm is expanding at a rapid pace.

It serves more than 2,000 customers, including bars, schools and hospitals, independent restaurants in Middlesbrough, Darlington and Durham City, and is known for work with London-based eateries and Michelin establishments.

It has moved into a new site in Newcastle, which includes an 18,000 sq ft warehouse, with turnover expected to exceed £5m.

But it could have been so much different for the 43-year-old.

Back in 1991, as a talented golfer, he secured his challenge tour card, which offered him the opportunity to play in numerous tournaments.

The former pro at Ponteland Golf Club, near Newcastle, was in elite company.

Alongside his name in that year’s role of honour was Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley and former Open champion Paul Lawrie.

He said: “I turned professional when I was 18.

“I had a job on a YTS scheme with a computing firm, but then got an opportunity to pro.

“It was working in a shop, re-gripping members golf clubs and teaching old ladies how to putt.

“But I enjoyed it; it was a job I loved doing.”

Mr Crosby’s ability, he still plays off a handicap of two, meant his career continued to flourish.

Two appearances at the final qualifying stages for the Open in 1989 and 1990 were testament to his skill, and when he overcame the daunting tour school he was closer than ever to realising his dream.

But then disappointment hit.

His sponsor, who had backed his previous efforts, collapsed, leaving Mr Crosby with a dilemma.

Did he continue in an environment where just getting to tournaments was an expensive business, or did he help his father Bob’s growing North-East company?

The answer, in the end, was pretty easy.

He said: “The qualifying school was gruelling, with rounds in Manchester, Spain and France.

“I got my challenger card, I still have it somewhere, but my sponsor went bust.

“From playing golf I found myself driving down to Stoke in the early hours of the morning to help out with crockery deliveries.

“But, at the time, my dad was working hard on the company and needed some help.

“It was strange getting invites during the first year for things like the Rolex Open, in Geneva, but I knew I couldn’t go.

“To support yourself on the tour, you had to have about £30,000 every year just to pay for the fees and flights.

“But I was committed to the company and we are really growing now.”

Crosbys was founded in 1990 by Ben’s father, Bob, who had owned a chain of china shops in Whitley Bay, Tynemouth and Whickham, near Gateshead.

Mr Crosby senior started by selling crockery from a van, before moving on to cutlery, greaseproof paper, and cleaning supplies.

With the support of Ben, and his other son Roger, the firm continued to expand and branched out further into sales of glassware and kitchen utensils, ranging from pastry brushes and chopping boards, to blow torches and £3,000 pasta machines.

It also joined national buying group Caterbar to gain access to chemicals, and says it could stretch the amount of toilet roll it has sold from Land’s End to John O’ Groats.

A successful first 25 years then.

But how does Mr Crosby look back on swapping making birdies for making decisions in the boardroom?

“There’s been a lot of sleepless nights and a lot of responsibility, and there are targets to meet too, but it’s been worth it”, he added.

“We have gone from 15 staff to 31 in the last two years, and I’m now sitting in our new warehouse.

“We got a lot of contracts, and secured an agreement with Newcastle City Council to supply things like toilet and hand rolls for every single council building, including schools, which is a big deal for us.

“I can look back on the golf and think what if?

“But when I look at the company and what we have now, it has been fantastic to be part of its success. “

Favourite North-East building and why? The Sage; absolutely inspiring architecture from Foster and Partners, funded by the National Lottery and a certain local software giant. It is a real symbol of the new Newcastle/Gateshead.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? I left school at 15 with 1 O-Level in Art and my first job was with Mari Computers who were based in Gateshead’s old town hall. It was a YTS scheme open to young people and I was paid £28 per week.

What is the worst job you have had? I used to work at the car wash on the Gateshead side of the Redheugh Bridge, seven days a week. It was cold and very wet.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? I am a great believer in spending the most time with guests and not at the stove, so something made beforehand like lasagne or something slow like seven-hour lamb.

What would your superpower be? Invisibility.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party. My father-in-law, who we lost before my wife Jess and I got married. Nigel Stanger was a great friend and always a gem at dinner parties. Apart from him, David Attenborough, Seve Ballesteros and Ray Mears.

What is the most expensive thing you have bought – other than car or house – and how much did it cost? I love watches, ever since I left school and earned money I’ve ‘invested’ in horology. That’s what I tell Jess. Couldn’t comment on values as investments can go up or down.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? The competition, as it’s always best to hear what they are boasting about.

Favourite book? 11 years ago, I read Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking. I can truly say it changed my life.

When did you last cry? A month ago I watched my eldest daughter in a ballet performance. Gets me every time.

What is your greatest achievement? My family. We are a very strong unit together and quite dysfunctional apart.

What is the best piece of advice in business you have ever been given? Sell it before you buy it.

Favourite animal and why? I love my little dog. We’ve had Millie for 15 years now. She’s a border terrier and, according to the vet, is now suffering from dementia.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? N/A .

What was the last band you saw live? Foo Fighters.

Describe your perfect night in. Red wine, movie, wife. (Not necessarily in that order)

In another life I would be… A gamekeeper. I absolutely love being outdoors surrounded by wildlife.

Who would play you in a film of your life? That’s obvious, Matt Damon.

What irritates you? Coat hangers.

What is your secret talent? My main talent is golf. I currently play off a two handicap and have re-joined Ponteland Golf Club.