Describe the best day of your life.
As I’m not married but have been with my very patient partner for nearly 20 years I feel I need to give her credit of my best day and that was meeting her. We sat across a table from each other at a wine/beer tasting and we just hit it off immediately. We had a date the following night and haven’t looked back since.
What brings you joy in life?
Children and watching them grow and develop. I have two – Zane, who is training to be a paramedic and Max, who is about to go high school. Max does quite a bit of weekend sports and watching the thrill he gets from winning always puts a smile on my face.
What is the best photograph you have?
Scaring the hell out myself and my youngest son on a roller coaster when he was little. I didn’t realise it was as crazy as it was and the look on his face is priceless.
What is the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn?
Admitting when something has failed and not beating yourself up about it. Sometimes good things just don’t turn out the way you think they should.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
When I was living in Sydney an employer who owned a very successful hotel group said to me one day that you need to “Surround yourself with people better than you”. It took me some time to figure out what he meant by that, but once I did things turned out to be so much easier.
Describe the best meal you’ve ever eaten.
I don’t think I have one in particular, and to be honest it’s probably more about the moment that accompanied the dish more so than the meal itself. I’ve had many a memorable dish ranging from simple chipotle chilli and garlic dip in Mexico every morning for a weeklong wedding celebration with some of my oldest friends. Paired with bloody Marias it was near perfection. Also, a huge tomahawk and glass of Bass Philips pinot with a group of friends at an annual bonfire in Crafers. Saying that, Jake Kellie’s duck liver parfait at Arkhe is pretty slick.
What are the best qualities of your favourite person?
Of course it’s my amazing partner and her caring and considerate way and willingness to help anybody at any time.
Best songs on your playlist?
Running venues my playlists change daily so I have a very large library and am always listening to new tunes. I really like local legend James Curd and what he is playing around with at the moment – “Bounce” is a very cool track.
My life philosophy is… live every day like it’s the last. Although I’m slowing down as I get older.