Meet Craig Brothers; one of Affari’s founders and Managing Director. Craig has seen Affari grow leaps and bounds from day one and is constantly aiming to continue the development by running the core operations of the business!
How did you find your way to Affari?
Being one of the founders I’m going to have to go back a bit!!
Born in 1974; my younger years were spent in a block of flats, opposite the current Affari HQ! I used to look at the building, when it was once a social security office and then it eventually became derelict in the 80’s. The next time it was opened as a working building, was the day Affari joined.
Fast forward to 2001; when I got my act together, I attended Nottingham Trent University, aged 26, to do a Business and Finance Degree! Having left school formally aged 16, I felt that I had to get a degree in order to be able to progress in a career.
I successfully completed my degree, and after, I found a graduate placement and decided I didn’t enjoy it so I went on to start my own business. ‘Six degrees’ was created, an event management service for the business community. Then there was the Affari Magazine, which was the first interactive digital publication for Women in Business. We then realised the trend in digital and Affari Media was born!
What are the three best things about yourself?
1. Immensely loyal; once I have gained trust in a person, subsequently, they have in me. Through mutual morals and ethos about life, they will have a friend/colleague for life in me. Very much what you see, is what you get.
2. Fun! Although, as you become a dad and run a business… that seems to go to the back of the queue as responsibility replaces fun!
3. Ambitious, but not to the detriment of being loyal and honest. I don’t chase success, I run away from failure!
What’s one of your best experiences?
My best experience is seeing what my daughter, Matilda, has become to this day. Having ran a business whilst always raising Matilda as a single father, I was sometimes facing challenging situations but she is a vibrant, intelligent, clever and funny little girl. It’s very cliche I know, but it’s been different for me!
What interests do you have other than Affari?
Matilda, again! I make sure that she has the opportunity to take part in all sorts of activities, like drama and gymnastics. I take this seriously, I ensure that she has experience in life.
I also have an interest in photography. I’ll always take advantage of the odd chance I get to take my camera out and take some photographs of people and surroundings.
Martial arts was also a big part of my life; I competed at the highest level. I intend to get back into it soon, after having 10 years off!!
What’s your favourite quote and why?
I only can have one favourite, simply because it’s etched on my skin in ink!
It’s Steve Jobs – “Don’t try to connect the dots looking forward, they’ll connect when you look back.”
For me, it means everything is going to work out and in the moment when something is happening, maybe bad, just don’t try to make sense of it. Later down the line, it’ll make sense of itself.
What’s #1 on your bucket list?
Number one on my bucket list is to have Affari recognised, inside and out, as a great company. I want the people in the business to enjoy coming to work and to develop/grow both professionally and personally, which will lead to a successful business.
What is your party trick?
When I was more agile and younger… I could do a flying, turn-around kick in the air and kick things off people’s heads! I wouldn’t try it now as they’ll be kicked in the stomach!
In the news story of your life, what would the headline say?
‘He did it his way!’
How would your friends and family describe you, using one word?
Bonkers!
