One of my proudest moments...

In August 2018, Student Beans won one of the world's most well known and recognisable global brands.

I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you, why this was such a significant achievement for me personally.

This short trip down memory lane began 24 years ago.

In late summer 1989, part way through my final year at school, and with a little encouragement from my parents to get a part-time job, I strolled fearlessly into the local McDonald's restaurant in my home town of Gillingham, Kent.

A few days later, armed with a bucket of youthful enthusiasm and a neatly completed application form, I returned to Store 260 and submitted my paperwork.

About a week later I was asked to come in for an interview, which I attended, successfully passed and was duly offered a position of "Crew Member".

From October 1989 to July 1992, I worked my way up through from fully trained Crew Member, to Team Leader, Floor Manager, to finally Shift Running Manager.  I worked predominantly evenings and every weekend during term time, and then additional days during holidays. This largely financed my final school year, and two years at Canterbury College, studying Business & Finance.

In October 1993, I felt it was time to move on, but still look back and can honestly say that my four years at McDonald's was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, where I gained a great deal of practical experience, specifically in:

• Managing teams
• Delivering excellent customer service
• Completion of financial records
• Stock control / ordering
• Staff training
• Rota and resource management

Fast forward to my career now, where part of my role at Student Beans is to engage with national/international brands, to form partnerships and support their respective student customer acquisition campaigns.

As soon as I'd accepted this new and exciting challenge, I soon recognised a very familiar brand, that I really, really wanted us to work with.

They were my #1 goal...!

For a short while, I had not managed to find the right person to speak with, which is not uncommon, as large international businesses are a focus for many suppliers, but still keen to form a partnership, I continued onwards.

Then, one summer evening, I was attending an event in Central London.

During the course of evening, I turned to a couple of people next to me, made my introduction and they responded with........

"Hi Jamie. nice to meet you, we're from the marketing team at McDonald's"

It was like Christmas, Easter and a couple of birthdays all rolled into one!

We talked for over two hours, about a whole range of subjects, and they were kind enough to put me in direct contact with the person who managed the student programme.  Brilliant!

McDonald's and Student Beans worked extremely hard together, to find the best technology and marketing solution to help with the engagement and attraction of new student customers, and we're delighted with our new partnership.

So, what did I learn from this....... well, as is so often the case, "persistence" plays a hugely significant part in developing a successful relationship.

Each time I visit a McDonald's restaurant, or see the signs which mention that their student offer is being run by Student Beans, I am hugely proud of what's been achieved.

What stories do you have of a new business relationship that’s meant something to you?