BACKCHAT
2-minute interview · He could see himself as a wild west frontiersman, or master
of an ocean-going vessel, as long as he had adequate supplies of his special gum. He’d like to lose a stone or two, but a taste for Cabernet Sauvignon and curry may be getting in the way. Meet the “caring, thoughtful, attentive” John Bainbridge, commercial director at Portway Domestic Appliances
Favorite quote? “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt” Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My father
Why did you choose to work in the electrical industry? Just sort of happened. It chose me
If you weren’t in your present position, what job would you choose to do? Ship’s captain
Who in the industry would you like to spend time with? Simon Freear from Amica. He makes me laugh and his honesty is refreshing
Favourite TV programme? “Not Going Out”, and “Mrs Brown’s Boys”
What do you daydream about? Boating
What surprises you? The incredible low margins we seem now to accept
Favorite holiday destination? Scotland
What makes you laugh? Paul (full name suppressed to protect the innocent), for his comments to customers who visit his shop. Has me crying with laughter! What was the greatest turning point in your life? Joining Portway and meeting my lovely wife Jane Hobbies? Boating and shooting What’s the worst lie you’ve ever told? “Yes, it suits you” Greatest regret? Not spending enough time with my father How would you describe yourself? Caring, thoughtful, attentive How do you think others see you? None of the above What’s your pet hate? Unsolicited calls and emails Any bad habits? Nicorette chewing gum: ten years on and still using it. And my wife tells me I snore (not that I had noticed) 34
What sort of music do you like? Wide choice from classical to Pink Floyd
GET CONNECTED JULY 2012
Favourite cuisine? Indian You have been offered a leading role in a film of your choice. What character would you like to play? John Dunbar in “Dances With Wolves” You have been offered the opportunity to rule the world for a day. What would be the first change you would make? Make unlimited funds available for cancer research Is there anything about yourself that you would like to change? Lose two stone Do you have any hidden talents? Still working on this one Any particular fetishes? Not that I am prepared to share What would you put into Room 101? All forms of cancer What’s your greatest achievement? Bringing up two beautiful, well-rounded daughters
Name your poison Cabernet sauvignon
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time? Still working with the great team at Portway What’s your favourite piece of kit? My boat – albeit very small What motto do you live by? Treat others as you would wish to be treated
Eavesdroppings Electrical Retailer: “A customer told me the other day that, like horses being replaced as the principal means of transport, independent retailers have to accept that they’ll be replaced by other, more efficient means of shopping. It’s just progress, he said. I won’t tell you what I replied.”