Читать книгу Find. Build. Sell. - Stephen J. Hunt - Страница 6

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.