By Nicola Walker
As well as writing for the DRAM I also moonlight as a DJ, and this year as The Garage Nightclub celebrates 30 years, I will have worked with them for 27! I now consider myself part of the woodwork and have remained there because I love the club and all the wonderful people that I have worked with over the years. Holdfast and Donald Macleod have always looked after me, and I them. It is true that people often talk about the high turnover of staff in the hospitality industry, but some individuals have become lifelong devotees to the jobs or companies that have looked after them. This month I set out to speak to ten of these people to find out about their love for the hospitality industry, what makes their company great, and why they’ve stuck it out for so long! This is the second part of our series.
Alex Quinn – 31 years Procurement Manager, Lisini Pub Co, Uddingston
Alex began his hospitality career as a part time job to earn some extra money while he was expecting his first child. After a chance meeting with Harry Hood when they were building The Croft Bar he started soon after. He laughs, “I had never poured a pint in my life. I was thrown right in the deep end.”
After moving to Aberdeen briefly Alex returned and started back with Lisini as the manager for Angels Hotel, where he worked for 16 years, before moving to the Parkville Hotel.
Now in the role of Procurement Manager he talks fondly about his 31 years with Lisini saying, “For all the years I’ve known the Hoods they’ve been absolutely fantastic with me. I used to work with Harry a lot in Angels and they had the nickname ‘Semmit and Drawers’ for us, as we were always side by side. He always took time to really talk to people.
“So Harry was the man that nurtured me, then Lisa was my go to as well, I used to call her ‘Mrs Finance’, it was a wee joke between us. Now it’s Siobhan, and I’m able to take the procurement side off her and she’s confident I can do it for her. That’s the beauty of working for a family business, they trust me, and nothing is ever a problem.”
“I’ve stayed in the trade because I love people. Some people say I moan at them all the time, but I tell them it’s a loving moan! I’ll do everything for everyone and all I look for in return is respect. I also love taking on a challenge, I’ve always been that way in life, and I still enjoy learning myself every day.”
Danny Poli – 20 years Head Chef, Buzzworks, Ayrshire
Danny started his journey with Buzzworks aged 19 as a Kitchen Porter at Elliots in Prestwick (now Vic’s & The Vine). Fast forward 20 years, and after quickly moving through the ranks, he is now one of the Head Chefs at Scotts Bar & Restaurant in Troon.
Danny says, “What drives me is the teams I work with and having a safe and secure role. I have never had the desire to work anywhere else when I’ve been so well looked after here. Buzzworks offers so much and has continued to grow since I first joined the business 20 years ago. I’m lucky to have such great relationships with other members of the team, which is a testament to Buzzworks for providing a nurturing and fulfilling work environment and outstanding training opportunities.”
As a dad-of-three, maintaining a healthy work-life balance has always been paramount for Danny, who says, “Reaching the milestone of 20 years with Buzzworks is all thanks to the incredible journey and growth I’ve experienced in this industry. I take immense pride in being part of this remarkable team and look forward to many more years of culinary excellence and camaraderie.”
As for aspiring culinary professionals, Danny offers straightforward advice, “If you have a passion for food and are prepared to work hard, you will achieve your goals.”
Andrew Park – 26 years Head Steward, Cathouse Rock Club, Glasgow
Parky, as he is known to most, started stewarding 36 years ago at weekends whilst in the territorial army. He began in Shawlands at Maxwells bar on a rate of £3 an hour!
He says, “I worked in Shawlands for over four years in the early 90s. Following that, I had a couple of mates that owned security companies and started covering city centre venues. With around 10 years under my belt, I actually applied for a job at the old Cathouse, but they didn’t give me it! I eventually started at The Garage, and after being promoted to supervisor I went to work at the Cathouse in November 2008.”
Parky has recently been promoted to head steward after 26 years with the company. He adds, “All the managers have always been great, they’ve always looked after me and I look after them. I also love the people I get to meet from all over the world.
“The role has changed over the years and now people really care, which I think is brilliant. I love the satisfaction you get from looking after and helping people when they are at their most vulnerable. Sometimes you are putting your life on the line, so I always take the job very seriously. The team at the Cathouse are amazing and I want them to keep up the tradition of excellence we have here. I might be 57 now, but I’m not going anywhere soon!”
Barbara Hogg – 31 Years, Financial Controller DRG, Glasgow
It’s very clear that Barbara is so much more than a Financial Controller with DRG. She joined the company in January 1993 and celebrates 31 years this year!
She says, “I was employed as a bookkeeper, there was no office, and it was just me for a long time. I feel like I’ve been part of the growth of the company – moving from four restaurants when I started to the 28 we have now! Plus, Mario, Tony and Tony’s late father Joe became my friends as well as my employers over the years. In fact when I started Tony was still at school!”
Barbara also runs the head office for DRG and says, “Within the office culture, there may be a lot of work to do, but we still enjoy it, and every day is different. It’s in my blood now. Hospitality is such a fun industry, but we now have hotels, property development and portfolios as well. I feel very privileged to work here and working with great people is a huge part of what makes the job pleasurable too!”
Barbara also shared that to celebrate long service within the company they have recently launched an annual awards dinner.
She adds, “There are 15 people who currently have worked here over 20 years and I think that is testament to the company. It’s great that they are recognising and celebrating these people. I hope to be with DRG for many more years and be involved in the continued growth of the company….in fact, I often joke they’ll be taking me out in a box!”
Stephanie Bowman – 15 years Brand & Marketing Manager, Montpeliers, Edinburgh
Stephanie started her career as a waitress with Malmaison whilst at university. She then took a job on a cruise ship to combine her love for hospitality and travelling. After returning to dry land, she joined Montpeliers marketing team in 2009 and still loves it.
She says, “After two years I advanced to the role of Brand and Marketing Manager and in the last few years, I was promoted to head of the marketing department where I lead a wonderful marketing team and play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s overall marketing strategy and direction.
“I absolutely love my job as it allows me to channel my creativity and passion into promoting multiple venues. I also enjoy collaborating with key drinks brands to build valuable partnerships that continue to elevate our offerings and overall guests experience.
“Montpeliers is a great place to work due to the combination of a positive work environment, talented colleagues, a focus on quality and opportunities for growth and development. Being a family-owned group, it truly values the importance of a work-life balance, enabling me to effectively juggle my professional responsibilities while being present for my children. I have stayed for 15 years because I feel valued, challenged, and inspired to be part of an amazing team of people that share the same dedication and passion.
“My future plans revolve around furthering my commitment to the company and playing a key role in its ongoing success and growth.”
Part One here