Joe Taylor
Founder, Real Handful, on Chesney Hawkes, standing desks and his mini mullet
What was your first job? Collecting court fees for my tennis club one summer. I couldn’t believe someone was paying me to sit around listening to music, sunbathing and practising my serve.
What’s been your worst job interview? A Tesco store opened in my village when I was at college and everyone applied. I remember saying I thought I would be better in a customer service/store ambassador-type role with no actual responsibilities. I didn’t get a second interview.
What was the first music single you bought? Chesney Hawkes - The One and Only. Although I didn’t buy it, I recorded it with a tape player while he was on Top of The Pops. Old school!
How do you describe your job to your mates? I don’t - they’re sick of me talking about what I do.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Just seeing people interacting with our snacks in-store or at sampling events.
What is the least rewarding part? Doing my expenses - it’s the worst.
What is your motto in life? Love what you do and you’ll never work another day in your life.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? I’d love one of those standing desks.
Do you have any phobias? Spiders, heights, clowns, dolls, sharks…
If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? More opportunities to sample and give consumers the chance to engage with brands and products.
What luxury would you have on a desert island? Bear Grylls. Please apologise to his family for me.
What animal most reflects your personality? A dog as I have dogged determination yet a complete inability to get out of bed in the morning.
What’s your favourite film? Groundhog Day, simply because Bill Murray’s performance is incredible in it.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Well, it felt so right at the time but I had a mini mullet the day of my university graduation ceremony.
Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? David Chang. I love the way he talks about food and its links with history and culture.
What would your death row meal be? A marinara pizza from L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele.
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