Clive Moxham, director of sales & marketing at Leathams, on Rod Stewart, birthday meals and peanut butter
What was your first job? I worked as a hotel porter, carrying people's luggage while trying to smile sweetly and laugh at their jokes.
What was your worst job interview? I once went for a job at a plastic packaging company and I was asked to make a small presentation during my interview. Bristling with confidence I put up my first slide and to my horror realised I'd put the wrong company name on the title.
What was the first music single you bought? I think it was Rod Stewart's 'Do Ya Think I'm Sexy'.
How do you describe your job to your mates? I lead a feisty but dedicated bunch of sales, marketing and NPD professionals into battle to bring lentils, tomatoes, antipasti, cheese, charcuterie and other quality foods to the masses.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? It's always fantastic when you get positive feedback from a customer it's what we live for. Also, when it's your birthday here one of our development chefs will go out of their way to cook you a special treat for lunch.
What is the least rewarding part? Having to deal with over-demanding, rude and unreasonable customers.
What is your motto in life? Work hard, play harder, eat and drink well.
What's your nickname? For some reason my wife calls me Mr Grumpy. I think she's being completely unreasonable.
If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? A private helicopter to get me into London and avoid the commuter traffic.
What's your favourite movie? Forrest Gump. I'm a real softy at heart (just don't tell my sales directors!)
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? When I was a young national account exec, before I joined Leathams, I was waiting for a new buyer introduction meeting at Safeway's old head office. My company had very poor stock availability and we were well and truly on their 'villain board'. I had to walk the hall of shame as everyone stared, knowing we were doing a bad job.
Do you have any phobias? Yes, I'm arachibutyrophobic (fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth).
If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? I'd offer greater support to smaller food suppliers/producers, British farmers and local high street butchers. The food we eat would be far superior as well as keeping these age-old traditions alive.
What was your first job? I worked as a hotel porter, carrying people's luggage while trying to smile sweetly and laugh at their jokes.
What was your worst job interview? I once went for a job at a plastic packaging company and I was asked to make a small presentation during my interview. Bristling with confidence I put up my first slide and to my horror realised I'd put the wrong company name on the title.
What was the first music single you bought? I think it was Rod Stewart's 'Do Ya Think I'm Sexy'.
How do you describe your job to your mates? I lead a feisty but dedicated bunch of sales, marketing and NPD professionals into battle to bring lentils, tomatoes, antipasti, cheese, charcuterie and other quality foods to the masses.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? It's always fantastic when you get positive feedback from a customer it's what we live for. Also, when it's your birthday here one of our development chefs will go out of their way to cook you a special treat for lunch.
What is the least rewarding part? Having to deal with over-demanding, rude and unreasonable customers.
What is your motto in life? Work hard, play harder, eat and drink well.
What's your nickname? For some reason my wife calls me Mr Grumpy. I think she's being completely unreasonable.
If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? A private helicopter to get me into London and avoid the commuter traffic.
What's your favourite movie? Forrest Gump. I'm a real softy at heart (just don't tell my sales directors!)
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? When I was a young national account exec, before I joined Leathams, I was waiting for a new buyer introduction meeting at Safeway's old head office. My company had very poor stock availability and we were well and truly on their 'villain board'. I had to walk the hall of shame as everyone stared, knowing we were doing a bad job.
Do you have any phobias? Yes, I'm arachibutyrophobic (fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth).
If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? I'd offer greater support to smaller food suppliers/producers, British farmers and local high street butchers. The food we eat would be far superior as well as keeping these age-old traditions alive.
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