I got into the events industry because it was by chance. A neighbour was desperate for some help on a 100-man job in 1998. I have been involved in the events industry ever since.
I have worked here since I founded the company with childhood friend Darcy Ewart in January 2008.
I was attracted to this particular role because there were ways in which crewing services could be vastly improved. I wanted to change the perception that crewing is just about humping gear. My thoughts were, by incorporating a professional event based approach that included employing people who had knowledge which would be an advantage to the technicians and production managers we assist, would add value to the sector.
Not many people know that I can fly an aeroplane.
My worst experience at an event was on a Spice Girls job in the late 90s at Earls Court. A rigger who was working at roof height, which is pretty high at Earls Court, fell a few metres away from me. Unfortunately it was a fatal accident.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s crewing, like many other functions in the events industry, is labour intensive and you need good people who are reliable and professionally minded, and, who see the industry as a career. Our objective is to recruit people like this, but unfortunately there can always be a few underperformers. We monitor this very closely as our objective is to continually improve services. I’ve learned to invest time into improving the skills and approach of underperformers, as they are the people that can create a negative perception amongst our clients. The end game for them is dismissal if they can’t re-focus and adapt to the high standards and work ethic the company demands.
The best event I’ve been involved in was from the point of view of new experiences it’s got to be a fifteen-city world tour for a global drinks brand. From the point of view of seeing smiles on other people’s faces, it’s got to be the yearly conference for 2,000 very happy delegates from the European leaders in the travel market.
If I could do it all over again I would have started Crewsaders a lot earlier as the service philosophy that underpins the company’s operations has been pretty satisfying.
The one thing I can’t stand is tardiness; it’s a bugbear for me. I can’t stand people being unpunctual or not keeping to timings they have agreed to.
Outside of work I spend my time with my new baby son Jake. Time passes so quickly when I am with him. If I do have a spare moment or two I head over to the local golf course for a quick nine holes. I’m also a big fan of the New Zealand-based rugby team the Crusaders. Guess where the company name came from?
If money were no object I’ve been eyeing up the new Terrafugio fly/drive vehicle. Although the concept vehicle has been tested it is not being sold yet but I’m waiting.
The one event I will never miss is supporting the All Blacks in the World Cup Rugby. Anytime. Anywhere.
The next 12 months will be a very exciting time in the events industry. One word: Olympics. It’s not just about London but about the whole of the UK participating in the greatest show on earth. We are planning, training and gearing up for what will be another milestone in the company’s history.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be no one I can think of. I’m really happy to be doing what I’m doing.
If I ruled the event industry that would be awesome because I’d make sure people paid their bills on time.
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