Independent forecourt operator Oliver Blake of family business Oasis Services in Long Riston, Hull.
Oliver Blake must be one of the most driven individuals in the forecourt industry. Just three days after undergoing open heart surgery last week he was answering Forecourt Trader’s questions for this Under the Spotlight article, and generally starts the week with a 4.30am cycle. He says it is a fear of failure and a good dose of ambition which keeps him so motivated.
Name: Oliver Blake
Job title: Director
01. Your career history: I started off working in the family business from a young age within the store. At 21 years of age, I left to work as an area sales manager for an electronic cigarette supplier. After four years in the job, learning the industry, and seeing how other businesses function within the industry, I returned back to the family business where I have been ever since.
Our third generation business has been running since the 1950s, and in 1960 it became a limited trading company under Blake Bros (Engineers). It was originally set up by my grandfather. I am now holding the reins, but I am very happy to say that my father Malcolm is still heavily involved and invested in the onwards development of our business.
We are very well known for two things. One is out commitment to our community, and the other is being known as the cheapest petrol station in Yorkshire.
We are always looking at what we need to do to continue growth here. We have put in more tank space, developed a large car park, and expanded our storage, and we are looking at what we can buy and develop taking us into the future.
02. Dream job: I am very thankful to say I have it!
03. What do you drive? My daily is a Land Rover Defender 90.
04: Perfect day: Mondays, on a summer sunny day. I get up at 4.30am, and cycle as the sun comes up. I like to get into the office by 7am to get ahead before everyone else is up. Then my perfect day would end by a run in the evening dusk, and a night in with my cats and partner Carla.
05. Best holiday: This one is easy for me. Last year we jetted off to South Africa for two weeks. During this time we spent a week on safari in the Kruger National Park. It was an amazing experience and the level of service we received was exceptional.
06. Holiday wish-list: Heliskiing, seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, and a visit to Zimbabwe, Japan, Bali, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.
07. Favourite read: Living With A Seal by Jesse Itzler. It was a funny yet motivating read, with the aim to push you outside your comfort zone.
08. Three words to describe yourself: Disciplined, happy, and motivated.
09. Possessions you could not do without: Nothing.
10. What do you most admire? Human beings with big visions, and the ability to inspire others.
11.Favourite sports person: David Goggins, a retired Navy Seal who is an ultra marathon runner, ultra distance cyclist, triathlete, public speaker, and author.
12. Best news over the past 12 months: I have been lucky enough to undergo pioneering open heart surgery. I am writing this from my hospital bed post surgery.
13. Recent achievements: Raising over £20,000 for local charities and good causes in the past year, which has led us to being a finalist at this year’s Forecourt Trader Awards for ’Best Community Engagement’. I am also extremely proud of building and expanding our family business over the past five years.
14. What’s your pet peeve? The polar opposite of myself, undisciplined, unhappy, and unmotivated people.
15. Biggest fear: My biggest fear is also what drives me, and that is failure. If you are not afraid of failure then you are simply not aiming high enough.
16. Most important qualities in the workplace: In this order, good communication, honesty, team work, adaptability and resilience.
17. What motivates you? Growth and failures.
18. Best thing about the job: That I am very lucky to not view my work as a job. Every day is focused on how can we improve. I love the challenges that retail throws at you. I love how our sector is ever changing in a world that is changing around it.
19. Best bit of business advice you have ever received: You have two ears and one mouth. Use them that way, by Unknown.
20. Most recent business achievement of note. Being a finalist for the ’Best Community Engagement’ category at this year’s Forecourt Trader Awards.
