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Mark Jepp reflects on his first job in the construction industry, explains the profound impact that Terry Mcllvenny had on his career and how he differentiates between the stress of work and the real stress and worries faced by people struggling to put food on the table.

What was your first career job?

it was an apprentice scheme with a construction company called Henry Boot. They farmed me out to a specialist building company called Melbourne Building Services who at the time built new houses to look old using stone and reclaimed bricks and tiles. Melbourne Building Services promptly offered me a full-time job and even at 17 I was working seven days a week. 

What has been your greatest accomplishment and what are you most proud of?

Getting the serial entrepreneur Luke Johnson to back me twice to set up a brand-new bingo company 

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

My wife. She has been there from the beginning and has backed me all the way. Even when I made some unorthodox leaps of faith like setting up a bingo business and earning no money for nine months, she never pressured me and never lost faith in me. More than I could ever ask for and more than I deserve. 

What are you looking forward to most from January’s EAG?

To meet up with everyone again. By everyone I mean all the retailers, operators, and suppliers - including my old bingo buddies - I don’t get to see every day. It’s great when we are all in one place. 

Which industry figure do you admire most?

My old Rank boss Terry McIlvenny. He was a trail blazer, total leader, and true legend in every sense of the word. It was a privilege to have worked under his wing for six years.

What role have you enjoyed most?

I have been extremely privileged to have had the career I have. I have worked with some great companies and great individuals. My roles at Rank have been amongst the highlights and Majestic too but I must say I really am loving my current Game Nation role. I find the AGC sector the most enjoyable of all: it’s where my journey began in 1987.

How do you define success?

Achieving something that is acknowledged by your peers as being great and something you have enjoyed along the way. What’s the point of success if you haven’t enjoyed and been proud of what you have achieved?

How do you manage stress?

Like most people I do get stressed but I’m not a stressy type of person. Having come from the school of hard knocks I have always been able to put things into context and count my lucky stars. I feel for people that have real stress and worries in their lives like putting food on the table, shoes on their children’s feet or suffering ill health. For me if it’s just that I have a lot on or have had a busy week then I can put that into context and have a good night’s sleep…and I have no problem sleeping!

What are your career regrets?

One company I briefly worked for was culturally toxic. They saw my natural enthusiasm and passion as a negative and I ended up trying too hard to fit in and saying something silly to try and be funny and it got me in trouble. It was a real stitch up, but I call it hard won wisdom, so the only regret was ever saying yes to working with them so I made the decision to leave. However, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and isn’t that the truth?

What inspires or motivates you?

Watching people in Game Nation doing a great job at whatever level they are at. This inspires and motivates me to work harder for them and drive the company to be a success. 

What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

In two years’, time make sure you turn up for the interview for the attendants job at the Showboat arcade in Derby – it will be the beginning of your life in more ways than you can ever imagine.

Something about yourself that’s not on your CV?

I was the uniform model for Rank Amusements when I was 21. 

In a sentence what would you change about the industry?

I would change the narrative that sees a legitimate leisure activity and so important a part of our history and culture so negatively by a very vocal minority 

One piece of advice or insight that has changed your life and from whom? 

Tom Allison - the current CEO of Admiral who was my Regional Manager when I was a manager at Rank Amusements - told me the importance of preparing for interviews and selling yourself in the right way 

What’s your Desert Island Disc?

Brilliant Trees by David Sylvian. It was released in 1984 and has been the soundtrack of my life