Spence DW
Founder/MD, We Are Tea, on lingering in the tea aisle, family holidays and George Clooney
What was your first-ever job? Washing cars in a local supermarket car park while the owners were shopping. I made a decent living from it until some older kids moved me on.
What’s been your worst job interview? My first, with one of the big five accountancy firms. I had just moved to London from Newcastle and not quite got to grips with the Tube or London. I arrived 30 minutes late and short of breath. The interviewer (thank you, Malcolm) gave me an extra 15 minutes to compose myself. I got the job.
What was the first music single you bought? The Innocents by Erasure. I wanted to learn the dance moves to impress a girl.
How do you describe your job to your mates? If this was a job, I would have quit a long time ago. Improving the image of our national drink is unequivocally my passion.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? I sometimes linger in the tea aisle to observe shopper behaviour. When someone pops We Are Tea into their basket, the feeling of pride is profound.
What is the least rewarding part? As above but when a shopper puts a competitor in their shopping basket.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? A summer holiday with my family without interruption. Bliss.
Do you have any phobias? I sometimes wake up in cold sweats at the thought of going back to a ‘proper job’.
If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? The best shelf space should be more of a meritocracy.
What luxury would you have on a desert island? A five-star hotel serving We Are Tea.
What animal most reflects your personality? A dog - loyal, a bit sloppy, and willing to perform tricks for a meal.
What’s your favourite film? The first 15 minutes of Cars. I have a two-year old son and I get to cuddle him on the sofa. After 15 minutes he gets bored so we switch it off.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I have thick skin so I’m not easily embarrassed.
Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? George Clooney - I would try to convince him to switch sides and join the We Are Tea revolution.
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