10 MINUTES WITH…Matt Jones – CEO S3 ADVERTISING

I left school with no qualifications and started my career as one of the youngest Lance Corporals in the Welsh Guards, undertaking tours in Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan. My Sargent once said "you don’t need qualifications to succeed in life but you do need determination". It was from here that I worked my way through the ranks of civvy street, from media industry Account Manager, to Account Director. One day I decided to go it alone and from my attic I set out to create a national advertising agency.

Today that vision has come to fruition – we have 28 staff members, managing over 60 client accounts with a turnover in excess of £4.5 million. Over the last year we won 4 RAR awards as for #1 Media Buying, Online Media Buying, Creative & Innovation and Advertising, were named The Drum’s 2016 Advertising Agency of the Year and have been UK #1 for client satisfaction for the third consecutive year at The Drum Digital Census.

Lone Wolf or Team Player?

Team Player.

What do you do in your spare time?

I like spending my weekends with my family, exploring the beautiful Welsh landscape. During the week, if I have any spare time, I train regularly at a local gym.

Do you like getting up on a Monday morning?

Yes, because I have the hunger to improve and succeed and to prove the doubters wrong.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee.

Morning or night?

Night.

What inspires you?

My children. They inspire me to improve every day and to create a secure, happy future for them.

Apple or Samsung?

Apple.

Indoors or outdoors?

Outdoors.

What’s one quality you think an entrepreneur needs to possess?

Courage. The courage of your convictions and the courage to take calculated risks when others may not believe in you.

What's your favourite part about your job?

The incredibly talented people I get to work with on a daily basis. I’ve assembled a group of the most talented, enthusiastic people in the industry.

Summer or winter?

Summer.

Home-cooked meal or takeaway?

Home-cooked meal.

What would you say to your 16 year old self?

Don’t stress over the smaller issues. Think of the bigger picture and the long-term goals you have set yourself.

What is your favourite film, TV show or Podcast?

Billions. I see characters in the show that we have here at S3.

What is your greatest achievement?

Leaving school with no qualifications and going on to be named Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 as the owner of a multi-award winning national advertising agency.

Big night out or quiet night in?

Big night out.