What was your first job?
My first job was working for the Australian equivalent of KFC at a place called Red Rooster. It is absolutely the most delicious chicken you will ever have in your life. It is rotisserie cooked, not deep fried. When I go back to Australia it is my first stop, honestly! My family think I’m crazy, but I still love it.
What do you do now for work?
Private equity funds. We invest in small to medium private companies, mainly western Canadian based, in all sorts of sectors from everything from hospitality to chemical manufacturing, payment processing, transportation to technology.
What advice would you give to someone considering getting into a start-up today?
Have a lot of courage. You have to believe in yourself and be very brave. It is the difference between the people that say that they had an idea, and the people that had the courage to make it happen and act on that idea. You can always find reasons not act on a thought or prospective business, but be brave and find the reasons why you can!
How do you use Terminal City Club?
I like to swim in the morning, burn some calories, then head down to The Grill to put them back on. I also really enjoy the wine bar [Cuvee] between 4 and 6 in the afternoon, the staff there are absolutely fabulous. It is just a really nice spot to have a relaxed meeting, a glass of pinot, or both.
What do you enjoy about Terminal City Club?
Coming where people know your name, it’s really nice to come somewhere people know who you are. The staff really goes out of their way to remember a little bit about you, or remember what you like. That is really nice. I will also say that it is the best fitness facility out there with the glass roof and the view over the water is inspirational. That pool is the best in B.C., bar none! The fitness centre is a really compelling reason to be at Terminal City Club. Another is the relaxed dress code, for people that don’t wear a suite to work every day. If I am going to go to another Club, I have to think about what I am going to wear when I get dressed at 7 a.m. As an urban professional, there are not as many people wearing suites anymore. My dress code is usual dress shirt jacket and jeans.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
Love to run, love live music and I really love to travel.
How do you take your coffee?
Cream and Splenda.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
That even though one of our businesses is A&W — my truly guilty pleasure is a Burger King Bacon Double Cheeseburger!
Do you have any community service or charities you support?
Community involvement is probably the most important thing in my life. I’m on the board of the United Way Centraide Canada. I’ve just come off nine years on board of United Way Lower Mainland. I was the board chair for three years, I chaired the campaign back in 2008/2009. I’ve been on the board of the Boys and Girls Club, the Surrey Food Bank, Vancouver Foundation and Vancouver Opera all organizations that make our community stronger.
What advice would you give to someone interested in supporting a charity?
You owe it to the community you live in to contribute! I don’t think this is optional, if you live here and you’ve done okay, your community needs you. I think you owe all the time, not when it’s convenient or when you have enough time or enough money. People can vary the magnitude of giving that is right for them but if we want a better community, volunteer your time or skill or become a donor.
What would you say to someone considering joining the TCC?
I would say definitely, join! I think the Club has something for everyone – from fitness to great restaurants.
