Martin Pickering
National account manager, Challs International, on The Wombles, skiing and wedding confusion
What was your first ever job? I was a waiter at a local hotel. I had to keep the breakfast buffet full every Saturday and Sunday morning, which was a thankless task.
What’s been your worst job interview? An interview to be a ski rep in France was all going well until I was asked questions in French: I may have implied I was multilingual on my application, but I wasn’t. A lesson learnt!
What was the first music single you bought? ‘Remember You’re a Womble’ by The Wombles.
How do you describe your job to your mates? I don’t think my mates have ever asked me, but if they did I would say it is a job with no free samples in my car.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? The handshake upon conclusion of a successful negotiation and seeing the deal bear fruit with increased business for all involved.
What is the least rewarding part? The M25.
What is your motto in life? ‘If you’re thinking already, you may as well think big’ (inspired by Donald Trump).
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? A two-week expenses-paid skiing holiday to Meribel in the French Alps every year.
Do you have any phobias? No actual phobias, but keep me away from celery, ginger and rhubarb.
If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? Improved awareness and appreciation of the many quality products still manufactured by British SMEs all across the country.
What luxury would you have on a desert island? A football and a brick wall to kick it against.
What animal most reflects your personality? A Womble - I hate litter!
What’s your favourite film and why? The Blues Brothers - great cast, great music, great car chase, and very funny.
What was the most embarrassing moment in your life? The morning after my wedding, mistaking my wife for my sister in front of all my family. She had her back to me, to be fair - but she has never forgiven me.
Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? Steven Gerrard, but preferably at his place of work not mine - on the pitch at Anfield.
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