Daniel Neumann, MD of Easy Do Products, talks Star Trek, beetroot phobia and deep-fried beetles
What was your first ever job? As a salesman in a camping shop, aged 16.
You've got 25 words to describe your career. I was an IT troubleshooter for two years, which made the move to fmcg manufacturing very attractive. Fifteen years later, I'm MD and technical director.
How do you describe your job to your mates? I used to try not to, but now I tell them I manufacture recycled household products and their eyes stay open.
What is the worst job you've ever had? Selling kitchens door-to-door.
If you could change one thing about the grocery industry, what would it be? Less greenwash, more action.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Developing a product from its conception to its arrival in-store.
What is the least rewarding part? Realising I've got something wrong.
If you didn't work in grocery where would you work? In another life, I'd run a sailing school somewhere hot.
What's your best interview tip? Never take a graphology test as part of an interview. An employer should make up their own mind.
What was your worst job interview? Trying to persuade my father to employ me. It's hard to change a parent's perception.
If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? A self-tidying desk.
What is your motto in life? At the core of all well-founded belief lies belief that is unfounded.
What do you like to do outside of work? My passions are my kids, good food and sailing.
What's your nickname? My brother calls me Pitbull (so I am told) - once I get hold of something, I don't let go.
What was the first music single you bought? Ian Dury's 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick'.
What did you want to be when you were a child? An adult.
What's your favourite movie? The latest Star Trek movie.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I sent sample products to a senior supermarket buyer, but the couriers delivered a bouquet of flowers instead.
Do you have any phobias? Beetroot. Any vegetable that bleeds can't be right.
What would you request as your final meal? Ossobuco, an Italian dish made from veal bones and marrow (ethical veal, of course).
What's the weirdest thing you've eaten? Deep-fried beetles. They tasted like nuts.
What was your first ever job? As a salesman in a camping shop, aged 16.
You've got 25 words to describe your career. I was an IT troubleshooter for two years, which made the move to fmcg manufacturing very attractive. Fifteen years later, I'm MD and technical director.
How do you describe your job to your mates? I used to try not to, but now I tell them I manufacture recycled household products and their eyes stay open.
What is the worst job you've ever had? Selling kitchens door-to-door.
If you could change one thing about the grocery industry, what would it be? Less greenwash, more action.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Developing a product from its conception to its arrival in-store.
What is the least rewarding part? Realising I've got something wrong.
If you didn't work in grocery where would you work? In another life, I'd run a sailing school somewhere hot.
What's your best interview tip? Never take a graphology test as part of an interview. An employer should make up their own mind.
What was your worst job interview? Trying to persuade my father to employ me. It's hard to change a parent's perception.
If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? A self-tidying desk.
What is your motto in life? At the core of all well-founded belief lies belief that is unfounded.
What do you like to do outside of work? My passions are my kids, good food and sailing.
What's your nickname? My brother calls me Pitbull (so I am told) - once I get hold of something, I don't let go.
What was the first music single you bought? Ian Dury's 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick'.
What did you want to be when you were a child? An adult.
What's your favourite movie? The latest Star Trek movie.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I sent sample products to a senior supermarket buyer, but the couriers delivered a bouquet of flowers instead.
Do you have any phobias? Beetroot. Any vegetable that bleeds can't be right.
What would you request as your final meal? Ossobuco, an Italian dish made from veal bones and marrow (ethical veal, of course).
What's the weirdest thing you've eaten? Deep-fried beetles. They tasted like nuts.
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