Employee Spotlight – Justin Whitston
Our latest Employee Spotlight features our CEO and Founder, Justin Whitston.
Justin created FOD Mobility Group back in 2011 after setting up several successful businesses in the technology and mobility sector.
An entrepreneur at heart, Justin is proud of having grown the business from the initial ideation stage to now expanding into territories across Europe, with even more exciting plans to come.
In his spare time, he likes to travel, spend time with family, and is a great cook, most recently doing a copycat Chicken Ruby (a la Dishoom). He’d love to visit New York, make an album, and build his dream home with a sea view as items on his bucket list.
What inspired you to launch FOD Mobility Group back in 2011?
I started my first company at the age of 26, Nexus Vehicle Rental, which became a massive success. I started other businesses which I sold in between – all with web and technology at the core. My main success was with Nexus which is still a huge success today.
After selling Nexus, I invested in property and lots of other things, but I was itching to get back into my core market, so I decided to bring FOD to life. I suppose my main inspiration was the entrepreneurial drive to create another success story, which never goes.
How would you describe the journey of the business so far?
Well, it was very hard at first. At the start, I had no products, no customers, and no revenue. You have to invent everything, and you start from nothing. That is a long journey that very few people see.
One thing I’ve learnt through this business journey is that you must keep reigniting the fire. Business grows rapidly and can easily plateaux, so you have to keep pushing on. Everything becomes worthwhile in the end, and it makes me feel very proud to see where FOD is today, but it’s taken a lot to get here.
What does a typical week look like for you as CEO?
Well, that can change in a breath. During COVID, we had to do everything remotely which was really different for me because I’d been so used to being in the office for years. Now I’m glad we are edging back to normal.
A usual week for me involves lots of travel and fixed meetings across all the teams at FOD. I liaise with our customers, investors, executive team, and work on major projects. I try to get to our new HQ to see everyone as much as I can. I never switch off really and FOD remains at the forefront of my mind 24/7/365.
Which projects are you currently working on?
The question should probably be which ones aren’t you working on! The answer is all our projects and all parts of the business. For me, the best CEOs can rapidly put their finger on any aspect of the business and provide input and guidance to create the right outcomes. So, you have to be involved within reason in all projects and day-to-day functions.
What made you want to pursue your current career path?
I’ve never really known anything else. I think some entrepreneurs are born to do it and want to run their own businesses but getting there and actually doing it (not once but several times) takes a lot of learning and dedication. I never stop learning to continue my career path.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
When you see something grow from an idea, to maybe one or two people, into a business that employs a family of people it’s incredible. Serving customers and watching all the people within the company grow is quite simply the best and most rewarding part of the job.
What have been your proudest moments at work to date?
Winning our very first customer, being able to employ so many great people over the years, winning major internationally recognised customers and servicing them, and our new HQ. Every time I walk into the office, I feel proud.
What’s one professional skill you’re working on?
Haha, how to be normal.
What is the best professional advice you’ve ever received?
Never quit.
Describe a challenge you’ve faced this year and how you overcame it?
I face challenges every single day. You must see them as positives not negatives and I think great CEOs can find solutions. That’s my job and it’s my devotion to the business.
What do you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?
More of the same and to continually get better and better for our customers and employees.
How would your friends describe you?
Bonkers.
Can you describe the top 3 items on your bucket list?
My first one is to go to New York. I’d also like to make an album and build a dream home with a sea view.
If you could meet anyone famous past or present, who would it be and why?
Steve Jobs for the inspiration and what I could learn from him.
Share a random fact about yourself.
When I was in sixth form, I used to be a cleaner at my school.
What are your top three favourite songs of all time?
This is the One – Stone Roses
Sonnet – The Verve
Shout to the Top – The Style Council
What did you want to be when you grew up and why?
A rock star for all the obvious reasons but being an entrepreneur is just as good.
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