The sets for Igor's, which include skeletons, giant cobwebs and ghouls, were built in Australia by a company which is also responsible for constructing Madame Tussaud's exhibitions.

It Offered a fantasy, fun and an affordable escape from everyday woes. The waiters are dressed as ghosts, the maitre d' was a snarling hunchback, and the band is called The Rolling Bones.

How did you overcome the obstacles to realising Igor's?

Everyone who heard about my business told me I was crazy, but then I told myself that I was only 30 years old and I could try. If I failed, I could find another job as I was still young. I knew if I didn't do it I wouldn't be happy for the rest of my life.

I didn't want to be a 40-year-old general manager who wished he had tried but hadn't. I'm glad I tried because it changed my whole life.

Was it a rish to devote yourself totally to Igor's?

I used to live comfortably with my stable salary and weekends off, but I was not happy because I was doing something I wasn't really interested in. My previous work offered me only a high salary.

When you work for a company - unless you are the boss - you have to do what pleases the employer. That's why I don't want to do it anymore.

So when Igor's idea emerged, I quit my job and emptied my bank to pay for the purpose-built horror set, renovation work to the building, wages and rent.

I was scared, confused, worried and excited in the first few months of starting Igor's in 1997, just before the financial crash. It was quite dangerous for me financially.

What has Igor's meant to your life?

I gained security, money, respect. To me respect is the most important because a lot of people thought I was crazy. But when Igor's worked, nobody laughed anymore. When Igor's started I went to do joint promotion and they said: 'Igor's? Who are you?' but one year after they said: 'Igor's? Oh, yes, yes, yes.' That's the thing I am most proud of - not money.

It changed my life because I am not afraid anymore and I enjoy my work. I am my own boss and I am in control. I have a restaurant group consisting of seven restaurants and more than a hundred staff.

Why are you moving Igor's to Singapore now?

Igor's is not an ordinary restaurant. It is actually aa show, or a circus. People will lose interest because it is not novel to them.

Singapore tourism authorities have courted Igor's with offers of government grants for me to move the operation.

Soon after your arrival in Hong Kong you started living on a boat; why?

You know when you are a child you have all sorts of dreams. I thought of living on a boat when I was only 12, but it sounded pretty ridiculous. When I came to Hong Kong in September 1989 to work, my boss said my idea made sense because of Hong Kong's high rental.

So after one or two years I went off to Taiwan and sailed back with a 16-metre houseboat and I moored it at the Clear Water Bay Marina and named it Spirit. I lived there for nine years until I got married last year.

Can you boat really be the same as a home on land?

Yes. My boat has 450 square feet of living space which incorporates two double-bed cabins with attached bathrooms, a fully fitted kitchen, ship-to-shore telephone and fax.

It also has the standard amenities of a comfortable home. I really enjoyed living on it because it is a place that really belongs to me.

What's your definition of success?

To me, success means being happy. Richard Li is younger and richer than me, but I wonder who is happier.

What is your philosophy for running restaurants?

Never do formal of chic. I don't want my restaurant crowded with splendidly dressed diners. I am a basic person who does what makes me happy.

I want to create an atmosphere that makes my diners comfortable and able to enjoy a nice meal.

My company is strong because my staff is young and we work as a team. I am devoted to my job, working very hard and never taking days off except when I leave Hong Kong. To me it's not work, I am having fun and enjoying what I do. No matter what business you do, the attitude is important.

How is the relationship between you and your staff?

We are just like friends. We are llike a team, a family and we really have fun. What impressed me most was that until the last minute of Igor's lasst day, all the staff stayed and worked for me. I mean they could have resigned to look for another job, but they didn't. They supported the company.

What is your ultimate dream?

I really want to travel around the world. I guess I can do it in April of 2003.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have chance to achieve their goals. What can they do if they lack capital but want to start a business?

I didn't have much money when I started Igor's, but I believe your passion can really persuade others.

Make a detailed proposal and then set out to realise it.

People will be impressed when they see you really have the heart to do something.

I persuaded 32 other investors to chip in to cover the $22 million to start the business.

When they give you the money, they are giving you their faith. Just make sure you are committed and don't let them down.

Founder and owner of Igor's Group Chris Lenz is one the few people who managed to realise his childhood dream of living on a boat. He loves risks, freedom and the excitement of sea travel.

He turned his back on a stable, highly-paid job as general manager of a grand hotel and started Igor's Group just months before the 1997 financial storm. He was able to navigate the rough weather, however, and found a place to drop anchor.

Life was rarely calm and tranquil all of the time, he said. He was keen to accept challenges and was not afraid to lose.

That was the spirit that enabled him to create Igor's.

Now, he's opened half a dozen more restaurants, and buoyed by the Igor's experience he had learned the key to success was his passion to turn ideas into reality.

Name: Chris Lenz

Birthday: March 5, 1966

Birthplace: Canada

Occupation: Igor's Group managing director