The Mr B’s Team – where are they now?
To celebrate twenty years of Mr B’s, we’re taking a trip down memory lane – and popping in to say hi to some familiar faces along the way! Some of our former booksellers reflect on life at B’s, from funny memories and favourite experiences, to bizarre questions and brilliant encounters.
This time, we’re hearing from Kate M-D, who worked here from 2009 to 2019!
A funny memory from your time at Mr B’s?
I remember once having a full-on book-related conversation with my colleague Libby while leaning in a traybake which one of the lovely customers had baked for us. I was so caught up in what I was doing, I didn’t even realise that I was wrist-deep in baked goods until she piped up “Errrr, Kate-o, you do realise you’re ruining the brownies, don’t you?!”
What have you been doing since leaving Mr B’s?
I ran my own teen book subscription business at first, then I spent two years in corporate marketing. But I missed small businesses so much. Now I run KMD Marketing, where I’m a marketing mentor and manager for small businesses – from circuses to tech entrepreneurs, from health and wellness businesses to tradies.
What book did you love recommending the most to Mr B’s customers?
There were so many!City of Thieves was one that stands out in my memory because everyone we recommended it to absolutely loved it. Also Irma Voth by Miriam Toews – that was a big fave of mine.
What 3 books are currently on your TBR pile?
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Among Friends by Hal Ebbott (because I’ve heard Emma talking about it, and it sounds right up my street!)
What was the most bizarre question you were ever asked by a customer?
“Can you recommend a really filthy book for my 89 year old grandma?”
What was your favourite part about working at Mr B’s?
My colleagues felt like found family – we had so much fun together. I still consider many of them my friends now. It was a really special place to work.
