Quote Unquote – Chris Jones, Channel Director, Jeyes

Wholesale Manager – What’s the most exciting thing about your job?

The huge opportunity for our iconic household brands, we’re doubling our efforts and focus on the Wholesale Sector and have some really exciting plans to grow our business – we’re committed to making a difference and won’t love and leave… !!

WM – Who’s inspired you most in your career?

Independent retailers and wholesalers, the entrepreneurial spirit never fails to impress me, they make fast decisions, and demonstrate endless passion for their customers and the industry.

WM – If you were an item in a cash and carry, what would you be?

A trolley loaded with Jeyes products.

WM – If you had to do it all over again, what would you do different?

Don’t waste time looking back, I have been lucky to experience and work with many great and diverse brands and the best one’s have a determination to make tomorrow better than yesterday.

WM – What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you at work?

Reading out the wrong name for an award winner at a major industry event!

I’d pulled the card out with the reverse side facing up – with 3 names in pencil, and in a panic I’d read out the first name – it was wrong!! Very awkward!!

WM – Who or what makes you laugh?

Father Ted.

WM – Do you have any hidden talents?

Yes but I’m good at hiding them.

WM – Who would be your favourite party guest?

Bradley Wiggins, Geraint Thomas, Jamie Roberts and Scott Gibbs, yes I am a cycling/Welsh rugby addict.

WM – What is the greatest luxury in your life?

Living 5 minutes from the country lanes and rolling hills to cycle on, and Welsh rugby.

WM – What is your favourite guilty pleasure?

See above.

WM – Do you have any secret ambitions?

To have a beer with Sir Bradley Wiggins.

WM – What’s your dream holiday destination?

Cycling (of course) along the east coast of Sicily, cyclist paradise and much needed pasta and great coffee to keep me going.

WM – What are your three favourite movies of all time?

The Godfather, Layer Cake, and Gladiator!

WM – What is your favourite book of all time?

To Kill a Mockingbird.

WM – What’s your favourite pastime?

Think you might have guessed this by now, but I’m no MAMIL, I have been road cycling for over 15 years.

WM – If you won the Lottery, what would you do?

Pop my bike onto the roof of my new Aston Martin and cruise Europe for a few months.

WM – What would be your advice to someone thinking about coming into this industry (apart from “don’t do it”)?

Spend time getting to know the route to market, from supplier to wholesale to customer.

Network hard – you never know who your next customer or boss may be!

And don’t think grocery is more fun, I think this sector takes more risks, and makes change happen far quicker!