Name: Jamie Sejpal
Job title: Operations manager
Jamie Sejpal is one of two of industry legend’s Sej Sejpal’s three sons who have joined the family business. Jamie was aged 20 when he started to learn the ropes. That was nine years ago, and among the best advice he has taken from his father is: The first offer received is never the best offer. Always be patient.
01. Your career history:
Luckily, I have been surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the petrol industry my whole life. I was fortunate enough to be able to do some work experience with my dad when he owned MFG.
Originally, I planned to study business at university, however after a year and a half I decided that the best way for me to learn was to jump head first into Platinum Retail.
My dad set me up at a site in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, for a year, where I learned the ins and outs of the business from a customer facing point of view. This gave me a unique insight into what makes a successful petrol station and how the very best ones play an important role in the local community.
From here I transitioned into the main head office and have been lucky enough to continue to grow for the past nine years.
02. Dream job: At first it was to be a Power Ranger, then a darts player, but now at the mature age of 29, I would open a comic book and vinyl shop/cafe.
03. What do you drive?: Mercedes AMG CLA
04. Perfect day: A nice sunny day, starting with heading to the Emirates to watch Arsenal beat Tottenham. Then heading to the pub with all my mates to grab a few drinks enjoying the sunset. Or going to Disney World with my girlfriend Alice.
05: Best holiday: Either my annual trips to Orlando, Florida, or the trip I took to Tokyo with five of my friends.
06. Holiday wish-list: I would like to explore more of Japan and also head to Scandinavia to see the Northern Lights.
07. Favourite read: I love comic books, especially Batman. I also like to read thrillers. One of my favourite authors is Grady Hendrix, who’s latest book, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, I thoroughly enjoyed.
08. Three words to describe yourself: Loyal, funny and affable.
09. Possessions you could not do without: My The Golden Age Batman comic collection and my PlayStation 5.
10. What do you most admire? I most admire people who are willing to learn and try new things.
11. Favourite sports person: Arsenal right winger Bukayo Saka
12. Best news over the past 12 months: My favourite band, Neck Deep, announced a tour in which they would play my favourite album in full and I managed to get tickets for the show.
13. Recent achievements: Organising and hosting the Platinum Retail commission operators meeting, the opening of our new to industry Canklow/Rotherham site, and winning the Harrow Powerleague 5-a-side second division with Denchreem FC.
14. What’s your pet peeve?: When you’ve sat down and then someone asks you to get up and do something for them.
15. Biggest fear: Spiders and heights, however I love rollercoasters so not sure how that works!
16. Most important qualities in the workplace: Being able to communicate effectively, and being quick on your feet when problems arise.
17. What motivates you?: Seeing how our sites make a positive difference in their local communities.
18. Best thing about the job: Being able to work closely with family, and having the opportunity to learn from the many leaders in the industry.
19. Best bit of business advice you have ever received: The first offer received is never the best offer. Always be patient.
20. Most recent business achievement of note: It’s going to have to be the opening of Canklow in Rotherham. Not only was it a huge personal achievement, it was also a significant step forward for Platinum Retail as a whole.
