Cover image: © MilenaKatzer/Getty Images
Cover design by Wiley
Disclaimer The material in this publication is of the nature of general comment only, and does not represent professional advice. It is not intended to provide specific guidance for particular circumstances and it should not be relied on as the basis for any decision to take action or not take action on any matter which it covers. Readers should obtain professional advice where appropriate, before making any such decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the author and publisher disclaim all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any person taking or not taking action based on the information in this publication.
Some events, people and timeframes have been condensed, merged or truncated to keep the story rolling along.
This book is dedicated to my wife Fidelma and my children Holly, Suzie, Dermot, Aidan and Rory.
Acknowledgements
Writing this book has been a huge endeavour and one that could not have been possible without the support of my family and wider team. It's a representation of my journey through life (so far) and an opportunity to share the insights and experiences I have gleaned from that journey. I would like to shine a light on the many people who have walked this path with me, who have helped me and contributed a chapter of what has become the story of my life. I am grateful to you all.
Firstly, to my wife Fidelma and my children — Holly, Suzie, Dermot, Aidan and Rory — for your ongoing and unconditional love and support. I could not do what I do without your encouragement. You make it all worthwhile. (And to my two beautiful dogs, Dusty and Snoop, for helping me remember that at heart, I am a Hunter.)
To my mum Suzanne, my dad Peter and my siblings (David, Joanne, Phillip and Elizabeth) for the love and support you provided to me growing up, and a big thanks to my eldest brother, Dave, for being my rock and a constant voice of reason and sensibility.
To the Backyard Beer Tender: my childhood buddies, all legends in your own way, and in your own lunchtimes. You're a huge part of my life, then and now, as are your families. Thank you. In no particular order:
James Boyle
Daniel Wheeler
Andrew Stevens
Stephen Duggan
Paul Hester
Ben Taylor
Neil Coyle
Jon Farrell
Gavin Yu
Grant Lyndon
Nick Russell
Simon Loughery
David Sutton
Andrew Cairns
Jane Sandral
Katie Chad
Belinda Driver
Bridie O'Sullivan
Sharnie Lofgren
Emma Hales
Penny Zatmury
Louise Malone
Michelle Jeffers
Libby Ellis
Lucinda Maloney
Jane Collins
Catherine Hamilton
If I have forgotten anyone, I apologise.
To the Hunt Hospitality International (HHI) team: true champions in every way, for having my back and for your loyalty. You are my extended family. I hope I do as much for you as you have done for me:
Kris Gladwell
Jason Archer
Ricci-lee Wheeler
Corey Park and Hannah Purdy
Tony and Cat Jackson
Corey Baker
Wendy Berlin
Terri Jones
Jeremy Cusack
My chief advisors:
Cath Antaw
Andrew Wennerbom
Alex Thompson
Simon Rutherford
Marin Kennedy
To my investors and business partners past and present for your support. In no particular order:
Brent and Katia Penfold
Tim Wearne
Michael Mitrovits
Annette Pulbrook
Kathy Richardson
John Curnow
Graeme Cunningham
Gus Gilkison
Nick Wormald
A special thank you to Greg Maitland for being my valued mentor; what you don't know about putting a deal together isn't worth knowing. Thank you.
To the Bayfield family, especially Wayne. You were great mentors who really taught me the importance of the community/pub relationship.
To the team at Westpac bank, Jeff Hurdis, Michelle Smith and Luba Finch, for being such honest and helpful bankers.
To James Brindley from Lion, Peter Filipovic from CUB, Michael Ritoli and Fred Jones from CUB Special Beverage, the team at LMG, especially Aidan Desmond and Amanda Williams for being such great supporters, the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and in particular John Thorpe (RIP), Scott Leach, John Wheelan, John Green, Sean Morrissey and Phillip Ryan.
To the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, Hunter Business Chamber and the Bar and Nightclub Show Las Vegas for your support.
To all the sporting teams that we support, and who support us:
The Wildfires (Hunter Rugby)
The Maitland Blacks Rugby Club
The Wahroonga Tigers
The Hornsby Lions
The Bogan Bulls (Nyngan).
And lastly, to Bernadette Schwerdt, for the time, effort and support you have put into helping bring my business story to life. Over countless conversations, hundreds of emails and thousands of words, you have helped me distil a rollicking and rowdy life into a book that I hope will be of value to many others. From when we first met, I knew you were the right person to help me tell my story, and my trust and instinct has been rewarded. Thank you for guiding me through this journey and for providing me with an outstanding learning experience. This book would not be the success it is without you.
And finally, a sincere and heartfelt thank you to every customer who has walked into one of our pubs. You are the reason we are here.
Introduction
The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it.
Epictetus
My