A dash of Pepper

John Pepper, managing director of Minx Technology, talks to CRN about a disturbing experience dressed as Mr Wimpy, difficulty in relaxing away from work, and selling floppy disks

CRN: Why do you enjoy your job?

I work with some of the most passionate and exciting individuals in the networking industry, which makes every day a lot of fun. I’m very proud of what we have achieved.

What was your first job?

I was 16 and worked at Wimpy. All was going well until I was asked to walk up and down Harrow High Street in a Mr Wimpy costume. I was jumped upon by three children demanding free burgers.

How much did it pay, and was that fair?

Not much. But I remember eating a lot, so I thought that it was very fair.

Why did you leave?

The Mr Wimpy incident.

How did you get into IT?

It was a complete mistake. I applied to a local company for a job in the warehouse. Before I knew it, I was selling. I became their top IT sales person within a year, selling 5in floppy disks and ink cartridges.

Have you ever written a computer program?

My friend and I once spent a weekend entering Basic programming code into a Spectrum 48K. We thought that we were going to be the next big thing. It was supposed to be space invaders, but all we got was a flashing purple screen. That ended my programming career pretty much before it started.

What would you have done if you hadn’t gone into IT?

It’s a common response from business owners, but it would have to be a pilot. I am just finishing off my private pilot helicopter licence.

Can you be too rich?

I do not believe that you can never be too rich. It would be lovely to find out.

Which is the better drink: vodka Red Bull or a pint of real ale?

No competition: vodka Red Bull. A drink that makes you more awake as you drink it is a great concept. Ale just makes you go to sleep.

What’s the secret of a successful career?

Work hard at everything you do.

What do you inspire most in colleagues: trust, fear, respect or jealousy?

I’d like to think that I am a good leader. I try to always inspire trust and motivate those that work for me. And I accept criticism when I make a bad judgement call.

“Golf is a good walk spoiled.” Do you agree?

It just takes too much time to play, and there are so many other things in life to do. I love to watch good golfers play, but you are either born with a club in your hand or binoculars to spectate. I had the binoculars.

How do you relax, and do you find it easy to switch off out of work?

I find it very difficult to switch off from work. All the business owners I know have a similar problem. It is a matter of making yourself switch off, otherwise you will make yourself ill. I have been found working at my desk at 4am on a Sunday morning... I kid you not.

Would you rather have a cool house in the country or a top city penthouse?

I prefer the cool house in the country. It allows you to attempt to unwind at the weekend. If I owned a top city penthouse I would always want to be out.

Who do you loathe most in the industry?

Moaners. I hate moaning, whinging account managers and business owners. Rather than moaning, pick up the phone and get a new customer.

What’s the most memorable sporting occasion you’ve ever witnessed?

Chelsea winning the Premiership in 2005.

What is the best deal you’ve ever done?

A recent contract worth £4m to sell Cisco hardware and related services