Richard Lodge

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Brayleys Cars Ltd

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Starting on a graduate programme with Hartwell PLC, I have been involved in motor retailing at various levels ever since.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

My interest in cars drew me to the sector, although to some extent that has waned and today it’s probably the retailing part of motor retailing that most captures my interest. The best thing about my job is that it’s rare that two days are ever the same.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was one of a small group of friends who reformed the Economics Society, at the suggestion of one of our lecturers, Jeff Coates.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

To some extent I think that the subject was irrelevant – being submersed in a quality learning environment with excellent tutors on hand made a huge impact on the way that I approached life. And of course the social life was good too!

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

Being in Exeter, away from the hustle and bustle, made it like a three-year holiday.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

It was a long was from home (West Yorkshire) thus removing the temptation to return at weekends. For me it had to be all or nothing.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Thinking. I remember Professor John McInerney telling us that the greatest gift was the ability to think. He was right; I actually list it as a hobby on my CV.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

There are probably bigger fortunes to be made elsewhere, but if it’s what you want to do, do it. If you’re good enough, you’ll earn a decent living from it, not that money should be a definitive indicator of success.

What are your plans for the future?

To do what I do as well as I can, and try to enjoy every day that I’m doing it!