Pooch & Mutt CEO Paul Dennison on Whippets, Space Odyssey and fake £50 notes

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Paul Dennison. Credit Pooch & Mutt.

Source: Pooch & Mutt

Name: Paul Dennison

Job title: CEO

Company: Pooch & Mutt

What was your first job? I worked in my local butchers after school every day and on Saturday morning to save up to buy my first cricket bat.

What’s been your worst job interview? I’ve had many job interviews where I have struggled, but a moment that sticks with me was when I was offered a job as a political advisor, I was told I wasn’t the first choice. Five years later, when leaving, my boss said it was the best second choice he ever made. Sometimes being first isn’t the best.

What was the first music single you bought? I’m showing my age somewhat, but it was Another Night by Real McCoy – still a banger.

“More honesty and openness from the start would help build lasting, long-term buyer relationships”

How do you describe your job to your friends? My current role is probably the easiest to explain. My first foray in the pet industry was a market stall and my pet shop, Paws and Purrs, in Stoke Newington, London. I had to always make it clear that we didn’t sell pets or fish.

We were one of the first stores that curated high-quality products for pets and their discerning owners – our main rule was if we wouldn’t have it in our house, or use it on our own pets, we wouldn’t sell it.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Two things really stand out: firstly, watching our team grow alongside the business and making a meaningful difference to the lives of pets. And secondly, how Pooch & Mutt provides an environment where people can develop their skills, take risks in a safe space, and learn from mistakes. It’s especially rewarding to see our impact grow through innovations like gut health testing and expanding into new markets.

What is the least rewarding part? Being held up with bureaucracy or red tape.

What is your motto in life? Always ask “what’s next?” – attributed to my dad (and also President Bartlet in The West Wing). I’m motivated if I believe in something and if I am certain it will make things better – that’s been true of all the roles I’ve taken on to date, including being elected as a local councillor for a time, and particularly at Pooch & Mutt.

Pooch & Mutt Health & Digestion Bone Broth. Credit Pooch & Mutt

Source: Pooch & Mutt

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Whilst we are fully remote and have flexible working, I would still like an extra hour each day!

Do you have any phobias? Spiders. It’s a common fear, but I genuinely can’t be in the same room as one.

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? I’ve been on both sides of the table, including being a buyer at Ocado, but I would change the negotiation dance. More honesty and openness from the start would help build lasting, long-term buyer relationships where all parties can add value.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? I like watching any kind of sport – golf, snooker but especially football and cricket – so I’d say a TV with a sports package.

If that counts as more than one item, I’ll go for a radio.

What animal most reflects your personality? I’m going to go for a dog breed and say a Whippet, because on a Saturday I like to zoom around Park Run and then head back indoors for a lounge around. I can be a bit stubborn, not unlike our 14-year-old Jack Russell Betty.

What’s your favourite film and why? I’m a huge sci-fi fan, so there are many contenders – 2001: A Space Odyssey, Star Wars, and more. But nothing beats the feeling of being 12 years old and watching Jurassic Park for the first time.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I did take a fake £50 note in the early days of my pet food stall at Broadway Market. The person bought a few chews worth a couple of quid, and paid with a £50 – an obvious red flag but I was so focused on earning my pitch rental fee back it didn’t cross my mind in the moment.

I was teased mercilessly by my fellow traders after that and kept the note – not even a very good one – and stuck it to my cash box for a long while after.

Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? We are very lucky to have a number of celebrity advocates of Pooch & Mutt. We have been working with Stacey Solomon for a while now and we are so proud to have helped ensure her pets Teddy and Peanut are healthy and happy.

What would your death row meal be? I do like a Nando’s!