The People: Josh

What is your role at Re:Fuel?

My role is to help build the community and partnerships that will feed the growth of Re:Fuel and develop the brand in the Southwest.

How did you get involved with Re:Fuel?

I first found out about Re:Fuel through social media and as soon as I read the Bio i was hooked. Re:Fuel was in its early stages as it was prior to the launch day. I knew I could bring a lot to the team so I messaged Dan and we arranged a coffee and a chat. That’s where it all started!

What’s your favourite thing about Re:Fuel?

I love what Re:Fuel stands for. We all have one thing in common, and that’s Fuel! Everyone who attends Re:Fuel either owns something special or enjoys spending their time drooling over other people’s pride and joy. Either way, we really enjoying bringing the community together in a common place.

What were you doing before Re:Fuel?

Before Re:Fuel I was a full time Formula One Mechanic for McLaren Racing. I worked hand in hand with some of the best mechanics and engineers in the world. I travelled the world with McLaren Racing and made some friends for life. It’s crazy to think that at the time I was one of a hundred Formula One mechanics in the entire world!

Tell us about your home life!

My home life is pretty much how I’ve always wanted it. I live in Exeter with my partner. We tend to go to the coast or to Dartmoor, which makes you really appreciate this part of the country that we live in. Now I’m not travelling the world, I get to enjoy time with my partner. We are slowly renovating our home so it’s always busy.

We love to host at our place whether that be dinner or coffee mornings so we always seem to be socialising. Being able to host business meetings at your home is always very convenient!

What do you do when you’re not working?

I seem to be a very busy person, but when I do get time to myself I like to keep fit through cycling. I’m currently converting a VW T5 to a camper so there’s always something to do – however, I do like to catch up with my friends often – I think close friends are very important so I ensure I make time for them regardless of other priorities.

What car do you drive?

I’ve had many cars. In fact, I’ve had 6 cars in the time my partner has had 1. She reminds me often of this! I recently restored and sold a 1973 BMW 2002 which was great fun but I didn’t drive it enough to warrant keeping it so it had to go. However, I’m already on the look out for my next project after the camper conversion!

What is your favourite drive?

My favourite drive has to be the coastal roads around North Cornwall. They are incredibly beautiful and very fun roads to drive. You’re always guaranteed to find a nice cafe to stop and grab a good double espresso!

If you could go anywhere where would it be?

Having travelled a lot since I was 17 when I joined the Royal Navy, and with my motorsport career, I’ve been to some pretty incredible places so it wouldn’t be fair to pick one! However, a few of my favourite places have to be Singapore, Canada and Texas.

Tell us something we don’t know about you.

I’m a very transparent person and don’t hide much. But I guess a couple things that not many people know is that I trade forex and cryptocurrencies, I love to analyse data and I enjoy abstract art! Pretty nerdy eh?! Oh, and I’ve met British astronaut Tim Peake!

Why Exeter?

I was born and raised locally before joining the Royal Navy at 17, however I returned here last year as I love the dynamic nature of living in a city with the coast 20 minutes one way and Dartmoor 20 minutes the other. It’s the perfect recipe for a long and healthy life!

What are you working on right now?

I’m currently putting together our plans for the Re:Fuel members club along with membership packages, which we hope to launch as soon as we get our permanent premises. The idea behind the Re:Fuel membership packages is that you’ll be given access to exclusive offers, and – most excitingly – special events and even automotive and motorsport themed trips run by Re:Fuel. So keep an eye out for news and updates. Don’t worry though, you won’t ever have to be a member to come and enjoy Re:Fuel every month – we’ll always be open to all!