DIRT ISSUE 143 – JANUARY 2014
Words by Mike Rose. Photo by Steve Jones
Who is Phil Stephenson?One of those people that always seems to land on his feet. Not from luck, but hard work.
Where do you live?The fine city called Newcastle upon Tyne.
What’s your job title?Marketing Manager.
What do you do?Spin Plates! Look after the UK Marketing for Bike, Winter Sport and Running.
How long have you been working for Scott?Almost five years. But only eight months as Marketing Manager.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?Working in a supermarket while I was student. Although, it was entertaining, it was in a pretty interesting area of Newcastle. I witnessed fights, boobs and one man came in convinced he was God. No joke.
Where’s your favourite place?Abroad it would be Thailand, but back home it would be Northumberland.
Where’s your favourite place to ride?God knows, got the rest of my life to find out though. So far, there is something special about the Isle of Skye.
When are you happiest?When I have archived the goals I have set myself in life and work.
What makes you angry?People that sit and expect shit to happen. And tall people!
What makes you happy?Making shit happen.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?Failure to prepare is failure in itself.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever given?Regret something you have done and not something you have not.
What are your extravagances?Expensive coffee. I’ve jumped on the coffee bandwagon. I’m good at pretending I know what I’m talking about.
Who do you admire?Anyone who’s made shit happen.
What’s the most important thing in your life?My other half. Without question, I would not be where I am or who I am today if it was not for Sarah.
What would you never throw away?I’m going to sound a right kiss arse… Dirt.
What’s your greatest fear?Being any smaller.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning?Drink some fine, deep, rich, floral–toned, deeply expressed, syrupy but lively coffee. Told you.
What’s the last thing you do at night?Try not to run through everything I have to get done the next day so I can bloody sleep!
What would be your dream meal?Anything Thai with good company.
What things do you always carry with you?The source of all good and evil, an iPhone.
What’s the most important lesson that you’ve learnt?Not to bite the hand that feeds you.
If you could have dinner with three famous people (dead or alive) who would they be?I’ve lost too many close friends over the years, so screw the famous people.
Who is your favourite rider?Anyone that can inspire you to get off your arse and ride. I’ve got to take my hat off to Jared Graves. What he has achieved over his career is phenomenal. To be able to change his race craft and body at the level he is at is something that I find incredibly inspiring.
What’s your favourite bike product of all time?HMX carbon fibre.
What’s your least favourite bike product of all time?Crap carbon fibre.
What’s your favourite motto or saying?“Please and thank you”. Manners cost nothing.
What saying do you use too much?“Aye man”.
What bike are you riding at the moment?SCOTT Genius LT Tuned.
What was the last magazine you read?We receive so many on a daily basis in the office. Last one to be flicked through was Fall Line.
What are you listening to at the moment?Bloody hell, anything from Bonobo, Cinematic Orchestra, Death in Vegas, Koreless and a bit of Jurassic 5.
What one thing would you change about yourself?I do not have small man syndrome!
What are your weaknesses?I do not have small man syndrome!
What does the future hold for you?A good one I hope. Continue working my butt off and plan to make a difference.
What does the future hold for mountain biking?Big days out. More and more people want adventure. One of the best ways of achieving this is by getting out there and getting lost in the wilderness.
How would you like to be remembered?The canny lad from Allendale.
