Meet Jake Parkin; the fourth team member to join Affari, who was originally hired as a PA apprentice. He has since worked his way up to become our Global Project Manager, contributing greatly to the Engagement Team and Affari as a whole. Being one of the original 5 members, Jake has the unique perspective of having been around long enough to see Affari grow from dealing with local clients to global, and is coming up to his five year anniversary in May.
How did you find your way to Affari?
Before Affari I was working at Nottingham City Council as a temp, however I temporarily worked there for two years! Eventually, my contract ended and I was put on an apprenticeship scheme course ran by the council.
One day I was told to attend an event where I could meet some local businesses which is when I met Craig, who had an open position “Personal Assistant to Director” for a women’s magazine. I was interviewed and a week later, I was in the office.
The job role wasn’t what I expected as I was told that I’d be working in a female focussed office. When I arrived I was unexpectedly greeted by Craig, Ben and Korie. It would be almost a year and a half until our first female member joined us!
What are the three best things about yourself?
I believe I’m a good host, I always come through with a plan for a night out and I was voted beyblade champion in primary school, year 2000.
What’s one of your best experiences?
One of my best experiences is when I went on a skiing trip to Austria with a group of friends. I visited the Xazier Lizum slope, a really amazing place.
I class it as one of my best experiences because minus the skiing being pretty fun, you could venture up to the top of the runs and they had speakers playing music all day, like jungle music and drum & bass. The food and drink also added the experience as they had log cabins everywhere which served lots of alcohol and held BBQ’s!
I realise I’m selling this as though I were a travel agent, but if you’re thinking of visiting there, don’t bother. It’s since closed down due to global warming!
What other interests do you have other than Affari?
My other interests include socialising with my friends on nights out in Nottingham or venturing out to another city for the night. Other than going on nights out, I enjoy attending the odd football match and I consider myself a decent cook! My best dish would be my secret recipe for steak with rosemary sweet potato wedges and king prawns. Simple but tastes amazing. (Email me if you want it!)
What’s your favourite quote and why?
My favourite quote is “do you want to double up for a quid?”, it’s a simple quote that doesn’t need elaborating on because everyone knows it and it’s always a yes, this is why it’s my favourite.
What’s #1 on your bucket list?
Number one on my bucket list would be to do the giant trail hike in Norway and visit the Jotunheimen national park. I read about it once on a flight magazine to Spain and it caught my attention as the location looks so amazing so I’d definitely like the opportunity to travel there!
What’s the most interesting fact you know?
The Wetherspoons news publication is read by over 2.6 millions readers.
What’s your favourite meal?
Zaap’s shredded crab and brown rice dish.
What’s your favourite city and why?
Nottingham is my favourite city because it’s where I’m from, it has everything you need in a small area so you can get around quickly as well. I consider it a nice location and it’s a five minute walk home from a night out!
