Chris Holmes, sales and marketing co-ordinator at Bentley Organic, on weeds, wasps and Michael Jackson


What was your first-ever job? Working as a qualified race track instructor on various track days across the UK. It was fantastic fun and gave me great experience of working with different people in a very extreme environment.

You've got 11 words to describe your career to date. It's been an ambitious, driven, varied and exciting journey so far.

What is the worst job you've ever had? Cleaning and tidying commercial property sites for my dad. It involved weeding, and clearing drains. Not fun.

If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? The false claim some washing brands have of being 'natural' or 'organic'. It's misleading consumers and something should be done.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? New sales are always good, but the feeling that we are building a brand with strong values and innovative products is a rewarding thing to be part of.

What is the least rewarding part? The time it takes to get things done, in a sector of so-called fmcg.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? I think a Bentley Organic office in LA would be a great perk. I love the States and with sales growing in the US, who knows?

What is your motto in life? Life's a journey not a destination.

What was the first music single you bought? A Michael Jackson single Smooth Criminal. And yes I used to dance.

What's your favourite movie? It's very hard to have one clear favourite. The Bourne trilogy, Gladiator, Man on Fire, and Mesrine (a French gangster drama). Exciting, and dramatic films.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I was made to stand up and sing in front of the whole school for talking during assembly.

Do you have any phobias? After being stung on several occasions for no reason I now have a hatred for wasps.

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be and why? I would have David Beckham endorse our products in the States. I think working with Gordon Ramsay would be very interesting he is determined to succeed, a perfectionist and hates BS!

What luxury would you have on your desert island? My toothbrush.

What animal best reflects your personality and why? A cheetah: quick to respond, endearing, fast, and gets the job done quietly.

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