Each week we shine the spotlight on a leading light in Dorset and ask him, or her, for answers to our part fun/part serious questionnaire. This time…

His biggest frustration is lateness, he’d like to share a car with Elon Musk, enjoys a plate of melon all day and chooses his Grandad, Peppino, as his childhood hero, then and now.

Simone Ippolito, Director of various businesses and President, BCP Rotary, takes the ‘hot seat’ for our popular 20 Questions.

Question: What is your favourite TV show?

Answer: By far, it has to be The Office USA. I think I must have watched that at least nine times over now and it is still so funny. There are a couple lines I use in daily life; I recommend everyone to watch.

Q: Who would you like to share a car with?

A: Elon Musk, the guy is living in the year 3000! It would be good to have a chat and maybe get a couple of tips there and then.

Q: The best bit of my job is…?

A: At the moment I am doing quite a few things between Winederful, Fox Tailoring, Turay Homes and BCP Rotary charity. But hands down the best bit is the charity work. We are working with less fortunate families in our local community, and see the difference our support makes. It is priceless.

Q: And the worst?

A: Picking up again from charity, the worst is to see how many people are struggling at the moment, how many kids are left with no hope, and how sometimes the institutions forget about them.

Q: Who was your childhood hero?

A: My childhood hero was, and most definitely still is, my Grandad Peppino. He has taught me to be the man I am today, and I am eternally grateful for his life lessons and for his guidance on how to be first and foremost a respectful person. It is, however, very hard to be far away from him but luckily technology helps these days with that.

Q: What’s your favourite smell?

A: It’s got to be fresh ground coffee in the morning. As a true Italian I am very irritable without my morning espresso (my girlfriend can vouch for that!). The smell of ground coffee, however, has an instant therapeutic effect on me.

Q: Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?

A: There are definitely a couple of great places here, and we are so lucky to live where we are, but if I had to pick one, I would say Mudeford beach, as its very quiet and relaxing. A great place to collect your thoughts.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone starting out on a career?

A: Don’t be afraid of failure, actually even embrace it. Business and life are rollercoasters, some moments you go slow and everything is fine, other times you’re doing a double upside-down loop and you feel you are about to pass out. Learn to co-exist with those moments, because if you can push yourself through those, you can enjoy the full ride.

Q: What was your first record/CD?

A: Oh man, that was ages ago! I think it was Eminem – the Eminem show. What a great first CD to have too.

Q: What gets you angry?

A: Definitely rudeness, and also when people are ungrateful. That really irritates me. If only some people would understand how lucky they are to be born on the right side of the planet compared to other, less fortunate people.

Q: Do you have a favourite piece of music?

A: I listen to pretty much everything but it depends on the mood or the occasion. For example, in the gym it can be rock or R&B, meanwhile during dinner I quite like a soft jazz set.

Q: What are the qualities you look for in a new employee?

A: Hunger and dedication. I feel these are also qualities that are getting a bit lost, so people that possess these are definitely on my radar.

Q: What’s your favourite food or dish?

A: Come on, I’m Italian! What do you expect? Pasta and pizza of course (the original Italian version though).

Q: Steamed sponge pudding and custard or a plate of melon?

A: Plate of melon all day long. I’ve never had a sweet tooth when it comes to desserts, but I quite enjoy fresh fruit.

Q: Name the best thing about living/working in Dorset?

A: Being by the beach. I come from a similar town in the south of Italy, and honestly having the beach on your doorstep is a treasure for mental health.

Q: If you were Prime Minister for the day what would be the first thing you do?

A: Bring us back into the EU. Maybe an unpopular opinion, but considering where we are now, I don’t think that was the smartest decision.

Q: What’s your biggest frustration?

A: Lateness. I really can’t cope with people being late for anything. I think it’s not respectful at all.

Q:  Where’s your favourite holiday location?

A: Big battle between Italy, Spain and Greece. I have been fortunate to travel a lot, but you can’t beat those places for a nice relaxing holiday if you like good food, good people and good landscapes!

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

A: Hopefully settled with a family and a couple of ‘tiny me’ to chase around!

Q: What would you like to be remembered for?

A: Being a nice, loyal and honest person. Someone that gave back to the community, and that my kids and grandkids can look up to me in the same way I do with my grandad!