Today I would like to introduce you to Ian. I’m a 41 year old married father of one living in Addingham, on the outskirts of Bradford and Leeds. I’ve been a DJ, chef and entrepreneur for most of my life but now I own and run 3 Subway franchises. I enjoy walking, especially with my dog Mylo, socialising with friends, spending time with my little boy Dexter and I love my beautiful wife Lara-Jane. I have an obsession for all things stationery and have a particular love for Filofaxes and the Filofax brand, my collection is various shades of brown and nearly all leather.
1. When did you buy your first organiser and what was it?
I was given what I think was an Filofax Identity with just a few paper inserts in it, probably mid 1980’s by my mum or dad. I don’t remember clearly as I was a child and didn’t give it much thought at the time. I fell in love with being a future businessman and loved the look of yuppies, I was also obsessed with stationery and still am. The first one I bought was a red Filofax active which I got from a Tesco’s in about 2001, sadly I don’t have either anymore, probably lost or given away at some point.
2. Out of the organisers you own which is your current favourite (Style and Size)?
The one I use day to day is a Filofax Malden A5 in ochre, new to me late in 2016 for just £25! I really love the A4 sized organisers because they give me plenty of space to write on and feels that the most natural, however its not very portable so I prefer to use an A5. My second favourite is the Deskfax, I currently have 3 but hope to get more!
3. How many Filofax or other brands of organisers do you own?
I’ve haven’t counted them all but I reckon I have about 50 or more organisers, predominantly Filofax but I also have a few others. My collection includes Collins, Daytimer, Timberland and a couple of unbranded ones, the timberland is a personal favourite and is used for tracking my walking.
4. What do you use your organisers for?
A5 Malden is my main diary, Deskfax Kent is used for my GTD system, A5 flex is an address/contacts book, A4 identity used as a “43 Folders” which I’m just getting up and running. I have many others used for different lists and plenty that don’t have any use yet!
5. How many sections do you have in your organiser and what is each section used for?
The main organiser is split up into Diary, lined paper for notes, quadrille paper for drawings/ideas, year planner section and I have a few clear and zip lock pockets at the back. This organiser is mainly a diary and note taking planner with a few extras in it, including stamps, bank cards, USB stick, stencils and sticky notes.
6. If you could design your own Filofax what would it feature?
It would probably be A5 in size, must be leather and would also have a zip. I’ve always liked the idea of an organiser that would have a front external pocket for a phone or tablet, you could access the screen but it wouldn’t fall out. Pockets and storage always seem to be high on the agenda, I’m not a fan of plain organisers.
7. What's your favourite Filofax tip or hack?
Make and print your own inserts, shop around for other brand inserts, they will be cheaper but still as good. I always look at things and think how could they be used elsewhere, I have a Filofax Belgravia Flip phone case which now houses a notepad, pen and a digital Dictaphone.
8. Have you ever attended a Philofaxy meet-up? if not do you intend to one day?
Sadly not yet, I have tried several times but train tickets always seem to be too expensive the day I want to go! I would really like to organise a meet up in Leeds soon.
9. What was the last movie you watched?
Back to the future 2, I love re-watching 80’s movies.
10. What was the last book you read?
Two brothers by Ben Elton.
As you know we are always looking for new people to appear in our 'Reader Under Spotlight feature, you don't have to be 'well known' or a long term user to be considered to appear in this 'spot'. So please contact Steve philofaxy at gmail dot com today.
Hello Ian! A meet-up in Yorkshire (UK) would be a great idea!
ReplyDeleteInteresting post. I enjoy your website.
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