Steve Agar

Nov 6 2007 by Evening Gazette

A director at North-east architects Dewjo’c, based in Teesside.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

Whilst at school in the swinging 60s I always fancied a career in advertising with all those trendy graphic artists.

How much was your first pay packet and what did you spend it on?

When I left school in 1969 my first pay was £5 per week, which went partly on beer (at 2/6 per pint - that’s 12.5p) and partly on a fashionably flowery tie from John’s City and Western - Middlesbrough’s premier boutique!

What’s your dream job, other than your current one?

I’m still passionate about design but these days I spend more time running the business, and dealing with bureaucracy and legislation.

What’s the best piece of business advice you have received?

Be good to people on the way up because you may well meet them again on the way down.

And the worst?

Don’t listen to your wife!

What is your philosophy when it comes to business?

I try to take a balanced view of everything in life and business. There is no ‘black and white’.

What’s your top business or financial tip?

Be a good listener, weigh up all opinions.

Does anything scare you and, if so, what?

Growing old and losing touch.

What would you choose as your epitaph?

Goodbye mister nice guy.