olly hiscocks ollys olives

What was your first-ever job? Other than being financially rewarded for finding my granny’s reading glasses, my first job was selling camping gear at Blacks.

What’s been your worst job interview? Again, it would have to be Blacks - not the worst but probably strangest. First-ever interview question in my life: “Hey Olly, do you think it’s ironic that I’m black and I work in Blacks?” Julian (my future boss) and I always laughed at my baffled face as a 14-year-old.

What was the first music single you bought? Daft Punk - One More Time.

How do you describe your job to your mates? The battle to show the world how great olives can be.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? It has to be when an olive hater gets converted by our products. We have an incredible conversion rate.

What’s the least rewarding part? I’ve never been very good at hearing “no” so used to find the rejection difficult when I first started. Now I just see it as another challenge that can be overcome, it’s all part of the process.

What’s your motto in life? Be yourself because everyone else is taken.

What’s your nickname? It was, and probably still could be, Hamstercheeks.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? Sushi on demand.

What’s your favourite movie and why? Forrest Gump will always be one of my favourites.

What’s been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I was invited round for a friend’s family dinner. The food was laid out and I went to drink some water which went down the wrong way. I spat it all over the table and the food - takeaway anyone?

Any phobias? Tuna mayonnaise. It’s just wrong.

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be? Why? Michael Scott (aka Steve Carell) - there would never be a dull day with him in the office.

If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? The never-ending stream of new product line forms.

What animal best reflects your personality? A woodpecker crossed with a Jack Russell - persistent, positive and won’t stop knocking until those doors open!