Membership Report
ANTHONY MCCONNON
For more than 25 years, the name David Charlesworth has been well known in our industry. "Charlie" has a personality which was made for hospitality and he is respected and loved by all who come into contact with him. In July 2007 Charlie left his position at the AHA to take up a new role at Premium Beverages (Coopers) as the first representative the company had in Tasmania, permanently. I was lucky to slide into Charlie's seat but have and never will be able to fill the shoes he wore at the association. Charlie's hospitality journey started at Carlton United Breweries and he now finds himself at the dynamic new Hellfire Bluff Distillery where he is using his extensive knowledge of the industry to grow brand awareness and market share. It must be said "Charlie knows everyone". Why? Because he takes the time to listen to people and is generally interested in what they have to say. He will also only give advice if he is asked for it and never holds a grudge. In his own words .."Life's too short ... Move on" Living only a "nine iron" away from Charlie has meant that we have caught up over many a quiet ale over the past 10 years. I recently took the time to quiz the industry stalwart about his time in hospitality. It must be said that getting information for this article was like pulling teeth which highlights the person Charlie is. He doesn't like the limelight. He just wants to get on with the job. Let's hear a little about David Edwin' - Family .... Dog... Cat? Married to my wife Angela with 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 2 dogs (Charlie & Darcey).
What does David do outside of work? My interests are mainly recreational. Sport has been a big part of my life and there is still a big interest there. I also enjoy a few beers with friends. Your sporting career was / has been a fruitful one. What sticks out as your favourite time in sport? I've been lucky enough to have played AFL throughout the country from Tasmania to Darwin to Mount Gambier, Queensland and Adelaide.. Over that time I've met some wonderful people who I have remained in contact with. Those memories are dear to my heart and prove what a great contribution any sport can provide in relation to friendships. You spent some time living interstate as a "young buck". Was it a difficult decision to return to Tasmania? No! Tasmania is "the best place". It is great to travel but there is no better place anywhere. How and where did your working life start? My first job was as a junior clerk with the Transport Commission. After 3 months I came to the conclusion that "I can't do this forever". So after seeing an advertisement in the old Sporting Globe I ventured off to Queensland to play AFL with 10 other mates from Tasmania. Unbelievable experience. Your career in Hospitality, give us a rundown on who you have been involved with. In a nutshell: CUB, Cascade, AHA, Coopers, Boags / Lion, Hellfire Bluff Distillery. You had a long stint with CUB, any likes or dislikes? CUB have been a great company and provided me with my first opportunity in the industry. It was an enjoyable time for me and fulfilling to have contributed to their early success in Tasmania. One tough time was being there at the time of the Cascade purchase as it was quite traumatic for a lot of people as it was such a significant change in the industry at the time. What are three words that best describe you? Genuine, loyal and late!!! (These are my daughter Laura’s choices and the only one I can guarantee is the last one! Is there something that you would still like to achieve in the industry? Hard question. There would be very few licensed venues in the state (including King and Flinders Islands) which I have not visited. This has given me a real insight into the highs and the lows of the industry. It makes me appreciative of the fact I have been able to provide help to these venues and people along the journey. Which of the companies you have worked for was it the easiest to get out of bed for each day? Not trying to be diplomatic but they have all been good. I've not had a reason to cause me to think otherwise.
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Hospitality Review
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