Managing Director, Snow+Rock

What was your first job in retailing?

A sales assistant in Sandy’s Ski & Sport in Mammoth Mountain, California.

Which retail company do you admire most and why?

John Lewis, a quality retailer with great customer service guarantees.

What is the trait you least like in yourself and why?

I’m sometimes aware that my strong personality can be a bit scary.

Who have you learnt most from in your retail career?

Mike Browne, the founder of Snow+Rock.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Working with a great bunch of people who all share passions for skiing, the outdoors, cycling and running, while working in a specialist retail organisation.

What advice would you give someone starting out in retail?

Be very clear of your retail concept and your points of difference.

What keeps you awake at night?

The current retail climate.

What’s your proudest achievement?

I am very proud to be running the business where I started on the shopfloor 27 years ago.

What job would you have done if you hadn’t become a retailer?

I had an ambition to become a professional sportsman, but I focused on my education in business studies before being introduced to the ski and outdoor retail industries.

What’s your favourite shop and why?

The Patagonia store when it opened in Chamonix, France. Their passion for the mountains really shone through, especially in that iconic location.

What was your last purchase?

An iPad2.

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