Harry Clarke

Co-founder, Pops Premium Ice Popsicles, on festival sampling, Pulp Fiction and dumplings

harry clarke pops

What was your first job? Working in the events department of a restaurant and nightclub group. 

What’s been your worst job interview? When I attempted to get a job at a woman’s cashmere clothing company. It certainly wasn’t my bag but I soldiered on!

What was the first music single you bought? Daft Punk, Homework. I think I must have just liked the cover, not the music.

How do you describe your job to your mates? There’s never a dull day, I often describe it as a rollercoaster. We don’t usually have a proper summer as we are working flat out, but it’s completely worth it when you’re out and about at festivals and sampling venues seeing everyone enjoy your product.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Watching customers enjoy our product. It’s always great to hear positive feedback and also to see the amount of enjoyment people get, especially on social media.

Read more: 5 tips for budding food entrepreneurs from people who have made it

What is the least rewarding part? Admin - it needs to be done but is not my strongest skillset.

What is your motto in life? It’s a marathon not a sprint - this is definitely something James and myself have lived by since Pops’ launch.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? I think being able to fly/time travel would really help our productivity.

Do you have any phobias? I have a real fear of small, enclosed spaces.

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? I would like to see grocers support startups by offering more favourable terms.

What animal most reflects your personality? A polar bear as they love ice and hibernate in the winter. I am looking forward to the latter.

What’s your favourite film and why? Pulp Fiction. It’s a classic - Tarantino at his best.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Getting a pan stuck on my head and being rushed to hospital to get it off. I was only seven but it’s an embarrassing memory.

Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? I’d like to learn more about retail with one of the greats, Sam Walton.

What would your death row meal be? The dumplings from my favourite Chinese in London, Hunan. They’re amazing!

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