Edinburgh Reporter Chats Number 1 – Baxterbear

The Reporter was ‘treekled’ to be granted an audience with Baxterbear, a very successful Edinburgh Businessbear. If you have not yet read his life story, and are not sure what ‘treekled’ means, then the full history of Baxterbear’s eventful life is on his own website. (Treekled means very happy in Baxterbear lingo!)

In summary he was born in 1928, and although he started life in Edinburgh, he has been all over the world. His tartan patch is an old war wound when he was shot down over Burma, only to be rescued five days later by an Army Ghurka unit. He has strong links with the military to this day, and now runs a successful online business helped by his PA, Daisy Tate.  He has been invited to appear at The British Military Tournament in London on 4th December and you can see some of his other appearances on his YouTube channel which we feature below. You can also follow him on Twitter @Baxterbearsays and he has, as any good businessbear does, a Facebook page.

The Reporter posed some questions to him:-

How did you get where you are today? – Baxterbear tries to have one thought at a time which is always a positive one !

Do you feel there are ambitions which are as yet unrealised? –  Yes you can never stop making difference !

What is your motivation for keeping going in business – even at your age? –   Positive thoughts !

Do you have a particular motto which sums up your attitude to life generally? I believe its fine to be different !

Do you have any mentors who have inspired you? – Sir Walter Scott, Richard Branson and Nelson Mandela

Do you have a favourite business book? No

What is your favourite away from business pastime? Flying and being with Elephants.

Your catchphrase is Baxterbear, one word one mission, – how do you sum up the mission? – To make a difference !

What do you think of Social Media like Twitter – is it helpful to your business? – Yes quick and easy !

You say that you measure everything in Scott Monuments – is that a place you visit regularly? When time permits !

Do you have any places that you go in Edinburgh when the world is getting on top of you? – Yes Edinburgh Castle Esplanade !

What is your favourite restaurant? Fishers when in Edinburgh.

What is your favourite food? – Shortbread

What is your favourite drink? Morning Coffee or Afternoon Tea !

What has been your biggest challenge? Typing with paws !

What has been your biggest success? Success can be measured in so many ways !

As we are the hyperlocal news website for Edinburgh please can you tell us something about why it is that you have chosen to live in Edinburgh now – and maybe an idea of where you love best? I fly in and out of Edinburgh having done so since 1928, Edinburgh Castle is one of my Favourite Places with Col Simon Vandeleur, Garrison Commander, being a Special Friend.

So here is Baxterbear at work with The Coldstream Guards! And remember you can help his charitable work by visiting his website.

http://www.youtube.com/v/4n0g0zc-1rY?version=3

This is the first in our series of Edinburgh Reporter Chats. If you are an Edinburgh business person and you feel you would like to be featured here then please get in touch! Email us at theedinburghreporter@gmail.com