On The Spot - Chris McDonald
Chris McDonald is Sales & Marketing Director at The Trading Floor in Sowerby Bridge.
1) What was your first job?
My first job was the largest paper round in the world......I did this for two years risking my life dodging guard dogs and having my fingers bitten off in the letter box!
2) If you were not in your present job, what would you like to do?
Although I absolutely love what I do, being a team boss in Formula 1 might tempt me away!
3) What was your worst mistake?
I don't tend to dwell on mistakes but if I was forced to think of one thing, it would be the fact that I took so long to create my own business - this is the most challenging, stimulating and rewarding part of my life so far - I should have done it years ago!
4) What would be your ideal day away from the office?
Spending the day with my wife and kids and leaving the Blackberry at home!
5) Name one person you would like to have dinner with and why?
Sergey Brin the creator of Google - to have created such a phenomenal company in such a short period of time is just fascinating. He might buy dinner as well!
6) What was your best subject at school?
Maths was always something I enjoyed although languages were a close second.
7) What are your hobbies?
Motor Sport is a real passion of mine and my son now karts in a fairly serious way which is great fun (good father son bonding too!). We’re involved in the British Touring Car Championships too and have sponsored David Pinkney the privateer driver who will drive a works Alfa Romeo 156 this year - watch out for the Trading Floor logos!
8) What would you do if you won the National Lottery?
That is always a difficult one. Firstly I would take a family holiday to consider the options, look after everyone close to me in terms of their mortgages etc. and then take some strong investment advice. I would definitely still work but with a slightly different perspective on work, life balance! We would also continue to support charities but in a much heavier way than ever before.
9) What is your top time saving tip?
In my business life the Blackberry has been an absolute winner - I have used mobile e-mail for over three years now and I wouldn't be without it.
10) What is your favourite time of day and why?
Sunset is without compare!
11) What is your favourite garment and why?
I am really into shoes - I have lots of pairs (too many!)
12) What is the best thing about being in business in Yorkshire?
I love the work ethic of Yorkshire folk - honesty, integrity and sheer hard graft all add to the mix. I am a native Yorkshire man so maybe I am biased!
13) What would you like your epitaph to be?
He will be missed as a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather - what more can you ask?
(Yorkshire Evening Post)
1) What was your first job?
My first job was the largest paper round in the world......I did this for two years risking my life dodging guard dogs and having my fingers bitten off in the letter box!
2) If you were not in your present job, what would you like to do?
Although I absolutely love what I do, being a team boss in Formula 1 might tempt me away!
3) What was your worst mistake?
I don't tend to dwell on mistakes but if I was forced to think of one thing, it would be the fact that I took so long to create my own business - this is the most challenging, stimulating and rewarding part of my life so far - I should have done it years ago!
4) What would be your ideal day away from the office?
Spending the day with my wife and kids and leaving the Blackberry at home!
5) Name one person you would like to have dinner with and why?
Sergey Brin the creator of Google - to have created such a phenomenal company in such a short period of time is just fascinating. He might buy dinner as well!
6) What was your best subject at school?
Maths was always something I enjoyed although languages were a close second.
7) What are your hobbies?
Motor Sport is a real passion of mine and my son now karts in a fairly serious way which is great fun (good father son bonding too!). We’re involved in the British Touring Car Championships too and have sponsored David Pinkney the privateer driver who will drive a works Alfa Romeo 156 this year - watch out for the Trading Floor logos!
8) What would you do if you won the National Lottery?
That is always a difficult one. Firstly I would take a family holiday to consider the options, look after everyone close to me in terms of their mortgages etc. and then take some strong investment advice. I would definitely still work but with a slightly different perspective on work, life balance! We would also continue to support charities but in a much heavier way than ever before.
9) What is your top time saving tip?
In my business life the Blackberry has been an absolute winner - I have used mobile e-mail for over three years now and I wouldn't be without it.
10) What is your favourite time of day and why?
Sunset is without compare!
11) What is your favourite garment and why?
I am really into shoes - I have lots of pairs (too many!)
12) What is the best thing about being in business in Yorkshire?
I love the work ethic of Yorkshire folk - honesty, integrity and sheer hard graft all add to the mix. I am a native Yorkshire man so maybe I am biased!
13) What would you like your epitaph to be?
He will be missed as a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather - what more can you ask?
(Yorkshire Evening Post)
