There is more than cooking....!
I am very lucky that I had and still have the chance to work with many amazing and interesting people. Being able to choose to live in unique places, learning new skills as much as passing on knowledge.
Working together as a Team and supporting each other are the trademarks and characteristics of the businesses and communities that teach the most and where you can happily give back plenty.
Having an open mind gives me many opportunities to educate myself, No matter what I might think I know, there is always more to learn and the hunger to understand never seems to cease.
Trying to separate private and business here is pretty much impossible, as a lot I learned growing up in the German countryside where my mum and dad owned a very busy pub and there was no hiding for me to get taught how to do things in very early years.
Here are some of the skills I have acquired throughout the years as a Chef, Manager, Business Owner, Trainer, Presenter, Salesman, Consultant, Limo Driver, Father, Husband, Son of Publicans, Tour Guide, Entrepreneur, living off-grid and of course as a Story Teller.
Swiss Army Knife
Living off-grid, managing and operating a business and more.
Living Off-Grid is certainly not everyone's cup of tea.
Since 2020 Celine and I have focused again on sharing our experiences in more remote locations like the Camel farm, Wilson Island, Rangelands Outback Camp and Nusa Lembongan (remote island off Bali - coming soon projects).
These locations don't allow you to 'just call' the plumber, solar expert, mechanic, electrician or handyman/builder as you need them. A lot of these issues have to be fixed (temporary or permanent) right there and then.
It is the same owning and operating your own business (especially for example on North Stradbroke Island), as every dollar you spend is wisely weighed up and you end up doing a lot of work yourself.
Managing and operating a business, especially off-grid does not just involve cooking and hosting, but finding solutions for equipment breakdowns/installations, troubleshooting, constant maintenance and checks.
Every day something could go wrong and being prepared and hands-on as I am helped us out more than once.
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Story Teller
Presenter, Ambassador, Sales, Tour Guide
I enjoy sharing knowledge and experiences. Talking about wildlife, flora, dinosaurs, stars, time and geology at Rangelands Outback Camp. About camels and their amazing products on the Farm, marine life and birds on Wilson Island and Straddie. I hosted numerous cooking classes over the years at James Street, private or in my own venues, and gave interviews on ABC radio, channel 9 or at food festivals, talking about the love for food, the amazing produce available and the venues I represent.
Promoting brands I place confidence in like BORA, Magimix, Thermomix and RoboCoupe.
Giving tours (Summer Land Camels, Rangelands etc.) talking about nature, animals or food.
And my favorite, after work sitting down and talking and listening with your guests and fellow colleagues.
Photography
Photo, Video and Media
Something I always loved doing.
Eventually, in 2021 I managed to buy myself a new camera and some glass to restart one of my first passions. Taking photos and finding that perfect shot.
25 years ago I got into digital food photography for my first restaurant, knowing it would be a very good tool later in time when the world has caught up with the digital world and the internet.
Building my first website in 1999 and using digital footage was quite something at that time.
Canon is my go-to Camera.
I have focused on wildlife, star-gazing and food for some time now and slowly started learning about interior photos, architecture and portraits.
Videography is not a majority of what I do at the moment, besides drone filming, as I concentrate on photography a little more at this time.
The gallery is coming soon here.
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Hands on Consulting
New openings and exsiting businesses
When I meet people who are in need of some hospitality business consultation or need help in opening their first venture into the hospitality world, I like them to recognise me as one of their own.
Having a close look at the business, finance, marketing and operation is most important at this early stage. Exploring the possibilities, location and suitable themes.
Finding points of improvement in the operation, staffing (quality or quantity?), investigating the marketing plan and more until doable solutions are created and put into action.
Over 35 years of experience in all aspects of the trade and business gives me the tools to be a creative and affective help in achieving goals.
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Technology
The future is here
My first computer was a Commodore C16 in 1984 and I was hooked.
Today I work with something a little more efficient.
Apple MacBook ProM4 plus the iPad Pro as a drawing and writing tool as well as a second (sometimes 3rd) screen.
Not just computers have become such an extraordinary help, but equipment improves and evolves every week.
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I enjoy the constant evolution of technology and love growing with it. Using new technology in ovens, sous vide, Thermomix, mobile thermostats, security systems, recipe books and fridge temperature control systems (online), security systems, weather stations and remote air conditioner control and much more.
If used right it can make life easier.
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Find at the link below some more info regarding computer skills.