Juhani Meurman

Founder, Nutrii quark, on dropping plates, his long list of nicknames and admiration of Walt Disney

juhani meurman nutrii quark

What was your first-ever job? When I was 15 I worked at a restaurant in a water park. It was my first encounter with customer service.

What’s been your worst job interview? All have gone quite smoothly, lucky me!

How do you describe your job to your mates? Selling a protein-packed snack for retail. If they have the time I’ll tell the whole story, which usually ends up being a long discussion!

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? Getting good customer feedback is definitely rewarding. On a bad day talking to customers usually helps me stay positive!

What’s the least rewarding part? When things are at a standstill and they are not in your control. This can be quite frustrating.

What was the first music single you bought? Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory.

What’s your nickname? Johan, Yoho, Jusku, Juhu - and the list goes on.

What’s your motto in life? Look at the bigger picture and don’t let small issues get you out of focus.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? Being able to work from any location.

What’s your favourite film? Forrest Gump, the ultimate underdog story where a string of coincidences shape his life.

What’s been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Dropping a load of plates on the floor on the first day of work at my first job in a crowded restaurant.

Any phobias? Getting bitten by a tick with Lyme disease. Had one stuck on me this summer.

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be? I would pick an entrepreneur who persevered through tough times but never gave up. Walt Disney is a great example of how to get up after failure and not lose the vision.

If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? It would be great if there was a database of suppliers in the industry. It would mean not having to rely solely on referrals.

What luxury would you have on your desert island? A surfboard and enough food and water.

What animal best reflects your personality? I like to think I have the personality of an elephant. They are loyal and don’t leave a friend behind.