2 minute read
THE LAST WORD
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TOM HANSON
Trivas, Beer & Bird, Johns Wines and Crusty Juggler Rum UK entrepreneur
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST FULL TIME JOB?
I used to tie up cardboard in the cellar of our family shop aged 12.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST QUALITY?
Conscientiousness. I’ll always give something my best. I’d also like to think I’m fairly dependable - if I say I’m going to do something, I’ll do it!
WHAT IS YOUR WORST QUALITY?
I can be pessimistic. Even when everything is going well, I’m constantly on the lookout for problems.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK? Treasure Island. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FILM? Jurassic Park. HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RELAX?
The truth is, I find it very difficult to relax! One of the downsides of being self-employed is that you are never fully out of the office. Having said that, I love travelling and am usually at my most relaxed on a beach somewhere warm with a Long Island Ice Tea!
IF YOU COULD BE A SUPERHERO, WHAT SUPERPOWERS WOULD YOU LIKE TO POSSESS?
The ability to stop time. Like Bernard’s watch.
CAN MONEY BUY HAPPINESS?
No, but it can help. Money is a tool that can be used for good or bad, wisely or poorly. The older I get the more I realise that happiness is a state of mind and largely unaffected by external circumstances.
MOST ANNOYING TV PERSONALITY? James Cordon. WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?
Making a success of our restaurant business – Beer & Bird. The first few years were really tough and we made A LOT of mistakes but through ingenuity, luck and grim determination we got there in the end!
WHAT HAS BEEN THE WORST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?
Learning that one of our ex-employees was suing us.
WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED IN LIFE?
That making mistakes is not only normal but desirable for success and growth.
WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? Time with friends. WHAT MAKES YOU ANGRY? Incompetence. WHAT COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
My breakfast smoothie.
WHEN IS HONESTY NOT ALWAYS THE BEST POLICY?
Honesty is ALWAYS the best policy. Although I do agree with the old adage, if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
Working remotely. I’d love the freedom to run my businesses from anywhere in the world.
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