💼 Career & Work
What’s been your biggest ‘pinch me’ moment in your career so far?
Running a cocktail bar through the end of Covid lockdown restrictions was, to put it lightly, somewhat challenging. Surviving a period when so many hospitality venues across the country were closing was difficult enough, so imagine my surprise when the first three months after reopening became the most successful quarter in the company’s history. It was one of those moments where the reality didn’t quite match what we’d expected, and incredibly rewarding given the literal blood, sweat, and tears that had gone into keeping the bar running.
What made you want to work in the advertising, creative or education sector?
My brother-in-law was a creative director in an ad agency when I was 16. I went and did work experience with him and immediately knew that’s what I wanted to do. So, I studied advertising at university and fell in love with the creative process and the art of communication.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (or like to give)?
One passionate person in your team is worth five people who don’t care. It’s the only thing you can’t teach someone and one of the most valuable resources to any business.
If you could swap roles with someone at Hunterlodge for a day, who would it be and why?
Wookie (the office dog) – He always has the best day. There’s a definite appeal to a schedule built around walks, naps, and the occasional snacks. If I was improving other people’s days as much as Wookie, I’d consider that a job well done.
🌍 Personality & Preferences
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Foolish, Eccentric, Carouser.
What’s something on your bucket list you haven’t done yet?
Seeing the northern lights. It feels like one of those things that doesn’t exist in real life, and I like the idea of travelling to somewhere properly remote just to be able to really see it. Nothing else going on, just standing there in the cold watching something you can’t really recreate or replicate anywhere else.
Are you more of a sunrise or sunset person – and why?
Weirdly, I used to end a lot of my days, watching the next day’s sunrise. It’s the perfect ending to a long day. The world at 4am is incredibly calm, almost empty, and after a 14-hour workday there’s something about sitting there, watching the light come back in, that doesn’t really compare to anything else. I don’t miss the hours, I do miss the sunrises.
If you had to delete all but three apps from your phone, which would you keep?
Maps, Spotify, and Photos.
Maps so I’m never completely lost, Spotify to make most situations more tolerable, and Photos for those moments you want to hold onto, or prove actually happened.
⚡ Quickfire: This or That
☕ Coffee or tea? Coffee. Tea is lovely, but coffee is the only reason I am able to make any meaningful contribution to society before 10am
📚 Books or podcasts? Books.
🐈 Cats or dogs? Dogs.
⛰️ City break or countryside escape? Countryside.
⏰ Early bird or night owl? Night Owl.
🍿 Sweet or savoury? Savoury
If you’re interested in a career in advertising, then get in touch: nick.friend@hunterlodge.co.uk