The co-founder of JUNA Fruits on Rod Stewart, Colombian fruits and enjoying a good back rub.

What was your first-ever job? A summer job inside a semiconductor wafer plant in Germany in 1998. It was good money for student travel.

What was your worst job interview? With an investment bank in Frankfurt fresh out of college. They asked me about IPO valuations and I had no idea.

What was the first music single you bought? Rod Stewart’s Have I told you Lately’. Cheesy.

How do you describe your job to your mates? In a nutshell: I’m selling juice. But my mates know JUNA is keen on building bridges from Colombian farmers to the European high street.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? What I enjoy most is the creativity going into a start-up. Everything is about creating something for the very first time.

What is the least rewarding part? Administrative work. In the end it was easier getting our product into Selfridges than opening a business account with a UK bank.

What is your motto in life? Do it your way.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? Having an annual JUNA team retreat in Cartagena, at Colombia’s beautiful Caribbean coast. Hopefully one day!

What’s your favourite movie and why? Forrest Gump. I think it teaches a lot of lessons about integrity, perseverance and positive attitudes.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Accidentally turning on the emergency lighting in a spa’s dimly lit relaxation room, ruining the experience for all the guests present.

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be and why? Shakira. She would make a great ambassador for our fruit drinks and the social impact we strive to achieve in Colombia.

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? Reverse the consolidation driven by the big retail chains. It often comes at the cost of innovative smaller players and undermines efforts to pass down fair prices to suppliers.

What luxury would you have on your desert island? Colombian fruits. They are delicious and would keep me hydrated.

What animal best reflects your personality and why? A dog. I like to think of myself as a loyal friend and companion. And I enjoy a good back rub from time to time.

Topics