The Saz managing director on angry dogs, dirty cats and reading the invitation properly

What was your first-ever job? The local weekly paper round. Carrying 400 papers as a 12-year-old was not fun. Neither was being chased by angry dogs.

What was your worst job interview? I once interviewed for a part-time job at a cattery. I mucked out for an hour and then wasn’t offered the job.

What was the first music single you bought? Michael Jackson’s The Way You Make Me Feel, on vinyl. I still have it.

How do you describe your job to your mates? Houmous magnate, houmous king, head of houmous…

What is the most rewarding part of your job? I still enjoy the reaction I get whenever I speak to people about houmous. Nine out of 10 conservations about Saz start the same way: “Houmous? I love houmous!”

What is the least rewarding part? We used to hand-label all our pots, which took hours, followed by stock-picking for delivery at 6.30am inside a dark chiller.

What is your motto in life? I live by many classic business mottos - particular favourites are ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get’ and ‘there is no time like the present’.

What’s your nickname? I have hundreds - mostly comedy variations of my first or surname.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? Tax exemption.

What’s your favourite movie and why? I really enjoyed The Hurt Locker. It raised my heart rate.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I once attended a wedding reception without reading my invite properly and realised that I hadn’t actually been invited and was not on the table plan. A very embarrassing retreat.

Do you have any phobias? I don’t like snakes, or flying with a hangover.

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be and why? Lord Sugar. Let’s see how good he is as an employee…

If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? I wish the ‘buy side’ of the industry was more open and approachable.

What luxury would you have on your desert island? A houmous bar. What a perfect location.

What animal best reflects your personality and why? A lion - not really sure if I am one, but everyone should aim to be king of the jungle.

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