Name: Matt Brunault
Job title: Co-founder
Company: Dreamsake
What was your first job? A gardener. Now I just do it for free.
What’s been your worst job interview? A job interview in Bologna (I don’t speak Italian). I was four hours late and missed it. But I learnt the vast difference between ‘local’ and ‘express’ trains.
What was the first music single you bought? Belle & Sebastian – The Boy with the Arab Strap. I used to play it to death on a Walkman.
How do you describe your job to your friends? Freight logistics followed by sake tastings and never the other way around.
“Sake still feels very new in this country. I know we have to build it brick by brick, bottle by bottle”
What is the most rewarding part of your job? The people I meet: shopkeepers, chefs, couriers… and all the thirsty folks in between.
What is the least rewarding part? There’s always a reward. Sake still feels very new in this country. I know we have to build it brick by brick, bottle by bottle. Everything we do brings us a step closer to our vision with Dreamsake and that’s reward enough.
What is your motto in life? Measure twice, cut once. I’ve heard it’s great advice but I’m yet to try it.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Periodic power outages in the offices. Less time spent on phones, more time spent connecting with people.
Do you have any phobias? Yes, I live in constant fear of alcohol duty.
If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? Sampling is such a key part of discovery. I know when people try Dreamsake, they fall in love with it. Building sampling more into the retail experience would really let new brands and categories flourish.
What luxury would you have on a desert island? Would an ice machine be out of the question?
What animal most reflects your personality? It’s not really for me to say, but I think cows seem quite good natured.
What’s your favourite film and why? Tampopo – a Western about ramen? C’mon.
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What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I have two co-founders, Hector and Adam, who would be more than happy to take this one I think. Karaoke is in the ear of the beholder.
Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? I think Paul Smith is the best at communicating British style, balancing playfulness with a respect for craft. His references, like cycling, feel effortlessly authentic – and he has a love for Japan.
What would your death row meal be? Anchovy pasta and a glass (or bottle) of perfectly chilled sake.
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