Dave Gill gets behind a proposed campaign proposal to bring back the bowler hat
What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
I was a customer services supervisor at Alders International. After a year working shifts at Gatwick Airport, with one weekend off every six weeks, I needed to get out. Like many people, I fell into IT by accident. To this day I have no idea how it happened.
Planes, trains or automobiles?
Planes. I cannot understand how people can sleep on planes - what a waste of an opportunity to sit and watch your own TV, and it's the only time I'm truly in control of the remote.
What is your favourite joke or the one you heard most recently?
Two elephants jump off a cliff. Boom boom!
What was your best business trip or junket ever?
While at Synnex I won a trip to Plextor's Tokyo headquarters for being one of their top sales guys in Europe. Unfortunately, a couple of months before the trip Synnex UK folded. However, Plextor wrote to me to say that they were rewarding me for my achievements, not for what I may do in the future, so I should still attend. They put on a fantastic trip, and were amazing hosts.
Oranges or bananas?
Oranges. They are much more versatile.
What never fails to make you laugh?
Any form of sarcasm. It may be the lowest form of wit, but it's always the funniest.
Where would you like to go or what would you like to do on your next holiday?
The Maldives. I cannot think of a holiday destination that is more potentially relaxing and beautiful. My family disagree, so we're off to Disneyland.
Will there always be value in printed books and magazines?
Printed books lend themselves to discussion, so the traditional coffee table book will remain, but when it comes to the novel, it's Kindle all the way.
Is there a future long-term for IT distribution?
As long as distribution genuinely adds value it will have a future, but simply adding ‘VAD' to marketing slides is not enough.
Your closest near-death experience?
BMW + lamp post + tree + ditch = not a good experience.
What are you reading?
Not Dead Enough by Peter James -- the Roy Grace series isn't exactly highbrow, but it is set in my corner of the country, and easy to pick up when I have 10 minutes spare.
What was the last film you saw and what did you think of it?
Last film I saw at the cinema was Hunger Games. I thought it was a pretty decent adaptation from the book.
Where did you get that hat?
I don't do hats, which is a shame. Shall we start a campaign to bring back the bowler?
Golf is a good walk wasted. Discuss!
As a new golfer, I spend most of my time walking in zig-zags. I enjoy playing, but to me it will always be a game rather than a sport.
Dave Gill is channel manager at Stonesoft UK
