Start Before You're Ready: Mark Nacey on Steel, Fire and Business #95

I'm not there to play in anyone else's sand pit. I'm making me own. What is it? 1.2 ton of steel. Every bit was hand cut. I said it was going to take me eight eight eight weekends and it took me 9 months and country fire service. I'm a lieutenant in the um fire brigade and all of a sudden I'm fighting fires. >> You're a renaissance man. If you think about you've done all these different things. >> So born in um Roa New Zealand and then when I was 11 we left New Zealand and went to Papa New Guinea. I when I came back to Australia, I said I want to earn $100,000. >> Okay. >> When I get back in Australia, I want to earn $100,000. Got into oil and gas. I earned $101,000. >> Nice. >> My wife had a heart attack 8 10 weeks ago. >> Yeah. >> Which sort of woke me up. >> Only 18 weeks. >> It's not what you've got. We don't want things. It's experiences. Over a bottle of red. Kath and I went, "Why don't we do it?" So, we went and bought this car and we said, "All right, can we go now?" Really, it's taken off. It's crazy how how well it's taken off. Um, what would you say to any people out there that are working 9 to5 that are thinking about doing something business-wise? >> Mark, how you doing? >> I'm going well, mate. >> Welcome to Singapore, brother. >> Thank you very much. It's a great great place. I'm loving it, >> mate. I'm so happy you're here. Now, before we get started, I just want to get get you to give the audience a little bit of an introduction as to who you are. And then we've got to give a shout out to Neil Bulock because the reason why we're friends is because of Neil. >> Absolutely. Yeah. Mark Ny. I'm an operations manager in a manufacturing company and also have just started my own chauffeur business in the Bruss Valley. >> Mate, you know, when you told me about this, it wasn't that long ago. >> No, it wasn't. >> And the turnaround time was really rapid. So, I'm so happy you're here. Now, the funny thing is it's at our age, it's not often where you meet someone once and you become really great mates with them almost immediately. I'd agree with that. Yeah, absolutely. >> Fair enough. >> Yeah. Fair. >> And we've spoken many times since I I met you what, four years ago or Neil's 50th. >> Was it really four years? >> I think it was four years ago. >> Yeah. Right. Okay. >> It's crazy. But what you don't know at that time, I was going through a bit of mild depression. And that night on his 50th, I'd promised to help him cook. And he told me years later he's pissed off cuz I didn't get up to help him cook. And I looked back and I realized I was going through I was going through a bit of a crisis at work and in my life. And it was only after I got back that I realized it. So actually meeting you that night because I didn't know anyone there apart from his misses was was brilliant. So I I appreciate that. >> It's funny you mentioned that because I've you know obviously I listen to you know a lot of your podcasts. I've I've heard you mention this. I didn't realize that was the same night >> it was the the >> Yeah. Right. >> It was the night. >> And I'm trying to think back on that that night but I don't remember you not being there. >> He he you know what it was also I was tired but he um he'd asked me to help him cook cuz I love to cook. We normally goat together. Yeah we had goat. And that was cuz I'd requested it, by the way. Right. And um I just didn't want to get out of bed. And the thing is I'm an introvert naturally. So meet meeting 20 30 people you don't know. And on top of that, you don't know what you're going through. So when I came out, I was like like where do I hide? >> Oh, cuz we had people from soccer as well. >> Yeah. There was load, you know what I mean? So listen, it was great. Now let's before we get started, talk talk to me about this bottle. >> All right. So, you know, when when you asked me about this, you know, I, as I said, I listened to a lot of podcasts and I really felt, you know, I'm not really in that wheelhouse, but let's do something different. So, I've brought a a Barasa Red. Um, and I think it's it's it is one of my favorites. So, the Julius, so Zed wines. Okay. >> Um, it's um made by uh Janelle um and her sister Kristen. It sort of runs everything. Hopefully I get it all right. Um, and the 2016 Julius won the world's best red wine. >> Wow. >> Um, Shiraz. And so I thought, you know, let's do something different. Um, I love red wine. Um, and I love experiencing it with people. >> And so I thought, you know, let's do something different. Let's do this. >> Mate, listen. I love it. Don't get upset, but I'm going to have a cigar. The M isn't around. I know. I try not to smoke indoors at home cuz I get a bollocking afterwards, but she ain't around. Well, that's all right because I was going to buy a cigar, but I couldn't. There was nowhere in Singapore I could get one that I need. >> There are only a few places. So, what do you want to do? You want to decant it now? >> I reckon I reckon let's decanter it now. And not that it really needs it, but I think Hey, let's do the whole >> Do you want Do you want to do the honors? >> Okay. Unless you want to. >> No, no, mate. It's just, you know, you know what you're doing. Or I'll I'll crack it open. So, what we've got here, beautiful bottle. And by the way, Neil's uh gin that year when it was the world's best gin was a Shiraz gin. >> Yeah. Yeah, it is. Which is also my best favorite. >> Do you want me to do it? >> Yeah, forget. Go for it. >> This is my um novice similier. >> You've done well. >> I haven't finished it yet. I shouldn't be looking at you. I should be focused. Do you know I used to be a wine waiter back in the day? I I've I've picked that up in your podcast. Yeah. >> Yeah. I've done so many different things, but that one I enjoyed because all my mates were working for me. So, >> just don't talk tip it all the way in. >> Not all the way in. >> No. So, so make sure you get just a little bit left. >> Okay. >> That's probably enough. Yeah. >> Is that all right? >> Yeah. Not Not that you not that you generally get too much, but it's a it's a good habit to have. So, if you get any old wine, you get the sediment. You get the cinnamon. >> Mate, listen. I love it. So, what we do, we leave it there for a few. >> Yeah. >> All right. So whilst we're doing that, let's unpack your story. So where were you born and raised? >> So born in um Roto, New Zealand. >> So >> by the way, Roaroo, it's a lovely place, but it takes you a day or two to get used to the smell. The >> smell. Yeah. >> Yes. So I was there until I was about six. Left. >> You heard about Sam Neil passing? >> Yes. Just today. Yeah. >> Catholic, you me you mentioned today. Yeah. >> Yeah. He lived in um in South Island, I think. >> You're not sure. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, obviously North Island um then went to Hawks Bay with Hastings um when I was about six. >> So, both your parents were Kiwis? >> Yep. Yeah, they were. >> Okay. >> And then when I was 11, we left New Zealand and went to Papa New Guinea. >> I didn't know that. >> Yeah. Yeah. Went to Papa New Guinea for 18 months. >> Why? Cuz of dad's work. >> Yeah. >> What did he do? >> So, dad was running um photocopier and fax machine companies. >> Okay. And this is when Xerox ruled the world. Is it? >> I'm trying to I actually I knew you going to ask me this. I was trying to uh remember who it was but I can't I think I reckon it was Wick calls. >> Okay. >> I think >> but I mean just to put this into context this is their giveaway of our age when I was at university Xerox the photocopier had the best sales program in the world and everyone wanted to go and I looking back on it they sold photocopies. Who gives a [ __ ] But it was that well >> was massive back in the day. >> Well think about it. You didn't say photocopy. You said Xerox. They they branded it so well. >> Yes. >> So Papa Newu Guinea you remember it. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, we lived in a a house with six foot fences. We had two guard dogs, had a local guy downstairs who was awesome. He'd take me down to the local footy club football field and I'd play with the the younger kids. Uh I was the only, you know, um >> foreigner. We >> foreigner there. Um >> they have many different dialects in Papa New Guinea. >> Yeah, they do. Yeah. >> Hundreds. >> Y >> How old were you? >> I was 11 when I got there. And so we'd go there play footy and no one touched me. It was great. So all the locals were, you know, very very awesome. >> You mean touch you on the football field or you talking about physically? >> They wouldn't touch me at all even on the football field. >> Really? >> No, they'd stay away from me. His name was Haro. Haro Haro. He'd like, "No, just leave him alone." You know, we'd muck around. Um and he was awesome. Looked after me. And uh the local kids um dad would get home, open the fet gates and go off you go guys, coconut trees, you know, all that kind of stuff. >> Wow. >> And they were awesome. All the locals were great with us until we left. Uh and they fortunately broke into the house after we two weeks after we left. But anyway, is what it is. >> Happens. >> Um but enjoyed the time over there. It was different. I met a lady driving drops the other day um who was actually from who was in Papa New Guinea when I was there. Wow. >> First time I' ever met anyone. So, it was cool. Um, and then we decided to after 18 months we we'd been there enough. The kina was it was good money over there for experts. Uh, and we went to Queensland. So, I went to Sunny Coast. Uh, I did me high school in Sunshine Coast there. >> Oh, really? >> Yeah. And of course, I was uh I'd love to say I was a straight A student and I didn't get myself in trouble, but uh uh I decided that uh >> What did you What were you like back in high school? What did you enjoy? >> Um were you a sportsman? >> Yeah, I was a runner. I was 100 m runner. >> Were you? >> Yeah. Yeah. Good man. >> I uh my my fastest was I think it was 12 seconds for 100 meters. >> How old are you? >> Yeah. 15 16. See, the thing is people always remember. They remember their personal bests because they're meaningful. You know what I mean? >> Yeah. So, someone like me, like I'm short and uh like I remember lining up with these in Mar this all these these kids uh a lot bigger than me. They're looking over what are you doing? I'm having a go. And you I think I'd got third on that race. >> Third place. >> And uh they all went where did you come from? Yeah. you you you know you you off doing nothing and you you've come out of nowhere. So it was good fun. So I enjoyed um um running in uh Port Moresby. I was long distance and short distance. So I was the second fastest in the school short distance and the fastest in the school long distance. >> The thing about that that's very unusual. >> Yeah. >> Cuz you know like this will make you laugh. I did a cross country run once thinking I could do any race and it was it was like it was laps in the forest >> and on the last lap I knew I was behind >> and I thought I'm so far behind I I have to I'm going to cheat. I'm going to jump over. I'm going to come probably last anyway. So I jumped over the fence and mate I was so far last. The bus had packed up and gone. Everyone had left. I swear to God. And I was left in the middle of nowhere. Everyone thought I'd gone home. I hadn't. That was so embarrassing. >> I I represented my school in cross country in Papa New Guinea and I was I was always at the front and there was this one kid the last 100 200 m past me. >> Take every time he waited for you probably. >> He was he was a lot bigger than me. So let's just say a better stride. >> Fair enough. All right. And then after that, what happened after high school? >> Um so I I sort of played up a little bit in high school. um sort of got into a few different areas that I probably shouldn't have and and my parents said, "Listen, you know, um your uncle is looking for someone to work for him down in Brisy." So I said, "Okay, let's go." And so I went down in Brisbane and um I was >> That's where That's where Neil got married, by the way. >> I didn't know he got married in Brisbane. >> I've never been there before. So So yeah, that's where >> Brisbane is. Great. >> Yeah, >> it's good. Um, that's where I I got the watch. But, uh, um, >> because you you've got you got the mountains and then you got the coast that aren't that far apart. Really? >> Not really. So, you got Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, where I went to school. You got Brisbane and then, you know, let's say it's an hour and then you got an hour down the Gold Coast, which is where all my my sister and uncles and aunties are. Um, but yeah, so Brisbane did me trade. So, I started a trade as a boiler maker. >> Okay. Um, I rocked up to my this job and in a I used to work for Coohl's in a in a pair of jeans, a white shirt. And my first job was changing tires. >> And I sort of covered. >> What sort of tires? Like on a regular car? >> No, just tires cuz Well, my first job was making trailers. >> Oh, really? Oh, trailers. >> Yeah. So, um, >> what sort of trailers though? >> Box trailers. Just big, you know, just little trailers. And, uh, they said to me, said, "Oh, Mark, can you pass me the grinder?" I went, "The what? >> What's the grinder?" >> And he went, "Yeah." I was like, he goes, "You don't wear grinders?" I went, "Yeah, of course I do." >> But no one taught you, right? >> I didn't know. So then I became started my apprentichip um baller making and did me four years. >> By the way, can I just press pause there? >> I'm going to put up a picture of a bit of artwork that you did when we do this podcast released. So tell me because because was was did you use a grinder for that piece? Every bit was hand cut. >> There you go. >> Yeah. >> This is what I'm saying. So what you did at 16. Yeah. >> And now you're an artist. Like tell the guys what happened that Barasa they commissioned you. >> So when I was in the Barasa Valley uh good good friends of mine that own they had a bit of art that a local guide uh had done and said Mark we'd love someone to make this bit of art. It was about >> Was this a bet? Did this come about because of a No, it wasn't. I don't know why. That's what I thought it was. It wasn't. >> They just literally said, "Mark, can you did you want to make?" I said, "Absolutely. I reckon it'll take me six to eight weekends." And it was a bit of art that was probably It was two hands. Um, and when when you put it up, you'll see it. Um, the small one was probably 400 mil long by 350 by sort of 700 mil. So, only only quite small. And I was making it hundred times bigger. So I said, "Yeah, let's let's do it." So it was out of core 10, 3 mil core 10. >> Wow. >> And it took me, me and a mate, Mark KD, uh, 9 months. >> Amazing. >> And everything was cut by hand. >> So we had a local company come in and said, "Mark, you really cutting this." I was like, "Yeah, I thought there was three phase." So um, we were going to do a plasma, but there's not. So I'm cutting everything by 5 in grinder. And so United Fasters um Dwayne Smart went, "Mark, we'll donate you a pallet of grind of grinding cutting wheels." >> Wow. >> So he rocked up one day said, "No, we'll donate this to you." >> Had you ever used one before? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heaps. >> Did you have to do any welding on it? You must have done that. >> Yeah. Everything was welded. Yeah. Yeah. So >> what sort of welder was it? A welder. >> Yeah. MIG welder. Yeah. So you obviously this is 20 30 years after I started me trade. I decided to make >> You see what I mean? It's full. Think think about that. Cuz the thing is not unlike you, like my dad was a builder. >> So we had everything in our yard, right? So he had at least three welders. He had a mini digger or two or three. It was just we we grew up on a building site. And my dad's he wouldn't have said, "Where's the grinder?" He'd say, "Pass me the yolk." Which is an Irish term. >> The yoke. >> The yolk, which means whatever. Or pass me the thingyamajig. And the problem is if you got it wrong, you were [ __ ] You're in trouble. Sounds like my apprentichip. >> Yeah. You you you got to learn quickly what what do they need and you had to be ready. So what I learned then was anticipation >> because with my dad um there was a period of about 2 and a half years where he was on the wrong medication. He'd had a stroke and he was he was mean. He was grumpy and it was cold outside. So you know it sounds bad but we couldn't look if you smiled why you laughing. If you looked unhappy why you miserable? If you were cold, couldn't have your hands in your pockets. And it sounds bad. It was pretty bad. But we had to be on our game. Yeah. So quickly I had to learn he's under the bonnet of the car. He needs a 9/16. Boom. You know, like and you you learn fast. >> Did he teach you how to teach you how to weld? >> No, not directly. He he taught some things he taught me, but he I learned by watching him and a lot of it was by mistakes. I I think that's how most tradesmen should learn by stuffing up and either doing the wrong thing by by yourself or doing the wrong thing by you know someone else has told you hey listen I think if you if you if you learn by not stuffing up well you're not going to learn the right way >> so so then what happened then so after like you were doing that then >> so I went to I actually finished my trade and I went to London again I didn't know that >> yeah so oh jeez I reckon I was about 25 so I went to London and I this I actually enjoyed London in a way. >> How did it come about? Is it >> So I had a mate over there. No, I had a mate over there. You know, everyone, you know, Australia goes over for two years and had a mate and so I thought, you know, I'm going to go over I I've got to get away and live >> and so I said >> and so you know the old Portoella markets. Yeah. >> I was at the bad end the old >> the old I think it's called the Eagle. >> Yeah. >> I stayed there. So when I rocked up to London, I was on the on the tube and my mate unfortunately I just found out um last week and the weekend before he passed away two weeks ago. >> Anyway, unfortunately and and he goes, "Oh yeah, good to have you here, Nancy." So Greg, by the way, >> we're going to work out your your sleeping arrangements. What do you mean? He goes, I said, "I thought of staying with you." He goes, "Oh, we've had a new we're at a new pub. We're running a new pub." I said, "And goes, I haven't told him you're coming." Oh [ __ ] >> hang on, dude. I've just tra I've just traveled all the way. I haven't even told him. He goes, "No, I actually I didn't know what to do. I sort of stuffed, but mate, we'll work it out." I was like, "Cool. We're off to a good start." Anyway, so um I end up going to the old old, you know, the Eagle and working there for for me board and then I got a job and got into construction and I worked on Old Scotland Yard. >> No, >> that was really cool. Yeah. So when they >> Old Scotland Yard for you guys that don't know, it's the headquarters of the British police and it's not in Scotland even though it's called Old Scotland Yard. >> No, right in the middle of London. Yeah. So I worked on Old Scotland Yard for a couple of months. So they the outside of the building had to stay. So the inside had to all get all be gutted and all the steel columns which were used to be all riveted. I I I welded them all up. >> Oh, is that what you're doing? >> Yeah. So every everything that that was there I needed to weld it up. So that was awesome. And then I went over to Dagnum. Um >> Jesus, you've been around mate. You >> Yeah. So we went to the Dagnum Ford University, I think it was. So I worked on that. >> Um so we were there 18 months and did Yeah. Did a travel. >> Would love he would love to have this conversation with you. He worked in all those places as well. >> Really? >> He worked in Henden Police, which was um one of the other major headquarters for the police as well. >> Yeah. >> And Dagnum. Dagnum's like if you if you're in the building trade, it's everyone knows it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So that was awesome going down there. um and um did a few other bits and pieces and then uh decided to come back to Australia. So we went to came back to Queensland. Uh the partner I was with her mom was in Daryl Chocolates. >> Oh [ __ ] >> And >> that could be dangerous. >> Yeah. And then and then she said, "We're looking for someone to take Daryl Chocolates up to Darwin, Northern Territory of Australia." So uh >> in what capacity? to to open a business up there >> really >> to to so she wanted to franchise up well not franchise I shouldn't say that wanted to open a store >> and my partner time was going to run it >> and I went up and helped set it up so we set up a brand new s you know Daryl Chocolates in the shopping center in Darwin um so that's got me to Darwin and you know we we uh we me and my partner didn't last very long and and she she went her way and I went my my way um I was in construction and then I got into oil and gas um so I did the first uh worked on their first um I should back up a little bit. I when I came back to Australia I said I want to earn $100,000. >> Okay. >> When I get back in Austral I want to earn $100,000. Got into oil and gas. I earned $101,000. >> Nice. >> So I I was I was I was stoked. I was happy. >> Anyway, we went our own ways and um I stayed with the oil and gas. >> I want to ask you so I want to I'm always curious about So where did the 100k come from? Why was that? No idea. >> Just got fixed on it. just it was a number. >> It's funny, isn't it? When you set a bar, it's like if you were running and you ran 125 that I want to get to 12 seconds, you know what I mean? You need a goal. >> Yeah. And I I'm very goal orientated. I'll always I find that I don't do as well if I don't have something to go for. >> Do you do you think you're strong? Cuz you know, you you and I send each other videos of working out, probably less so these days, but but um do you think that a lot of your strength came from the steel work? Cuz I I don't know if you know this, I did steel construction. People laugh when I said I said I did steel erections for a for a whole summer I missed this bit. >> Yeah. So I worked in Gatwick airport. So I worked for a firm called Kes Ken and Sha and they were subcontractors of subcontractors and um we I think we went out to about 14 floors. So we I worked on I worked on it throughout the whole summer. So what would happen I would cycle from Harrow to Hayes. That took me roughly an hour. They would collect me um at say six o'clock and we got to the job at seven, right? And they would throw my my bike in the back of the van and then we would work that's 12 hour shift and then we would drive back and then I would cycle. >> Long day. >> It's a long [ __ ] day. Um I got I got paid cash in hand. And the thing that I loved about working with the guys on a building site because I wor with them on on on other jobs as well was >> there was a lot of banter. >> Oh, so much. >> There was just so much banter. It it was great banter. there wasn't really any politics. You know, I know there's politics everywhere, but I didn't feel that I was young and they were good to me and I'm still friends with them to this day. But um but if you've done so, we I'll give you an example what we used to do. We'd bring the steels in on a crane and then we would put them down on the scaffold tubes and then we would tie a rope to the the front and the back end. So there'd be drilled holes and then you'd pull the scaffold uh sorry the the we call them RSJS you know the big steel frameworks. What do you call them? >> RS RHS I think. >> Yeah. So I know so what I did most of the summer was doing that and then screwing those holes into those. So I had to get a Hilty license to use the biggest handmade Hilty with a diamond drill bit to screw into the walls. Right. And and I'll never forget this. My dad said to me one day, cuz my dad was Irish, he hated the English. And he didn't want me working with an English outfit. And he said, "You can come and work with me." And I said, "I'm not going to work with you cuz I'll always be your son and you know, it's not going to go well." And I I got a lot of racism. I was the cuz to to everyone I was Chinese, right? And with an Irish surname. So I mate, I got it. I got it big time. And some of it wasn't very pleasant. But my dad told me when you're when you're drilling into the wall, you've got to hold that drill really solid because if you don't and you hit like a concrete, it'll it will go. And this fell next to me did it. He was smoking a [ __ ] and his hand buckled and I could see his wrist broke and the the uh the drill went around and hit him and knocked him out. And I remember thinking, Jesus. >> Wow. >> Yeah. But yeah, but it was uh listen, you've done it your whole life, but it was what an experience. No, no. When I had my sort of just jump in a few years, I I started me own construction company. So, we bought a brand new Hilty and uh this was the top of the line Hilty and I said the guys, guys, you know, God's sake, hold on to this thing. We put the hand piece on everything >> and I actually think it was me, the first one, who got hurt. >> I told the guys and it grabbed me. Yeah. I I don't think I got hurt bad, but yeah, we we were dr dr dr dr dr dr dr dr dr dr dr dr dr dr dr dr dr dr dr dr drilling we were building a house and drill into a slab and it grabbed and came around and whacked I think it whacked. >> But you know Hilty is synony when you think of Hilty you see still today you see the red the red color the words in white and I always and you see the drill bit and I always think back to that day >> you know so keep going on with the story. >> Uh so where was I? Um, so all in gas. Um, and then I went out to a Greenfield's project, uh, construction project where where when you when you were talking banter, I met a guy, a good mate of mine called Steven Taylor or I'll say Panda. And the banter between me and him is probably the most extreme and most uh, fullon that. Yeah. So we were we we'd get up in the morning, we'd we'd have breakfast together. We'd go get on the bus together, we'd work together, lunch together, dinner together. Um he and then on our we'd work four weeks on, one week off on our day off, uh we we'd go out to the pub together and the banter between me and him. >> Yeah. >> Are you still talking to this day? >> Well, yeah, I absolutely am. Um because the company I work for now about 5 years ago, he rang up and said, "Mark, I'm going to apply for another job. Can you can I send him me a resume?" I said, "Absolutely. Send it to me. I'll have a look for you." And I just happened to have the GM, my division GM in the car with me. So when he sent it to me, I just handed the phone over to him and said, "Read this." >> I think he was employed about four weeks later at the company I work for. >> And he he actually thought it was a joke. Yeah. >> And even now when we ring each other, it's it's I'd hate I'd hate for my wife to hear what we say. >> That's why when you when I call mates like that, I'll just say, "Are you on speaker phone? >> Is anyone else in the car?" Cuz I have slipped up now. Can we pour this? I'm I'm I I need a drink or we still got to let it sit for a bit. >> Well, I think we need to do at the end, do we? >> Hey, >> do we do at the end? >> No, mate. I want to go in between. I want to >> Okay. Well, you know me. I like a drink. >> All right. Okay. Let's go. >> All right. So, we're going to You walk me through. You p You pull the first. So, what we're going to do, we're going to do a little bit different. So, the the the tasting here is is is I'm loving it that you're throwing everywhere. This is good. Um the tasting we're going to do is is is the way that Kristen did it for my daughter, my older daughter, >> about 3 years ago. So, what we're going to do is you're going to we're going to pour it. >> Okay. >> You're going to put it in your mouth and you spit it straight out. >> You're going to tell me the flavors or what you what you're what you're feeling. >> You're going to put me on the spot, aren't you? Absolutely. I'm not an expert. it. And that's what the big thing about wine is that you your your pallet is going to pick up things different to mine. Yeah. So, I'll tell you what I'm I'll tell you what I'm feeling. We'll tasting or whatever and then we go then the next one we'll put in your mouth. We'll swish it around >> then spit it out. >> Okay. >> Third time you swish around and then you'll swallow it. >> Third time. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Everything you say almost sounds sexual the way you were saying that. >> The reason is it's because out of the two I'm the sexiest. Well, listen, that goes without doubt. I I held the title of sexist man in Singapore until you arrived. But I I was wanting to try and get that in some because I knew you were going to get in. >> You got me. You know, Norman, I always say you're the second guy to sell my life. >> And and I reckon a few of the podcasts you've actually you brought it up and I thought see if I can get in there. Yeah. Before. >> Fair play. You got it in, bro. You got it in. All right. So, let's rock and roll. I I'll let you pour. I'll put this out the way. I do like your glasses, by the way. >> Do you like them? >> Yeah, they're good. >> I just got them actually online a few months ago. Cuz I I I don't know why I like I've got different glasses that that um some have not survived. I got I got some glasses for my wedding, but I I like the slender, >> you know. >> Cheers, bro. Thank you. Cheers. All right. >> So, >> so Jesus smells nice, doesn't it? >> Is that all right? >> The thing is when I smell this, I I I smell a steak, which we're not having for dinner, but I feel like we should be having a steak now. >> That's nice. >> So, so the way you're actually you smell it is a lot of people don't realize they do that. So, if you get your nose >> all the way in, that's the best way to smell the aromomas of the wine. Absolutely. >> Yeah. So yeah, take a little mat just a little bit and spit it straight out. >> So what what are you tasting? >> Well, firstly it's sweet actually. It's sweet. Um deep dark bit of chocolate cherry. >> Yep. >> That's what nice. >> Okay. And and and by the way, yeah, a lot of people who, you know, listening might say that, you know, there's there's a right and wrong way. I don't believe there is a right or wrong way. It's what you're tasting. You know, the thing is cuz I've I've been to wine tastings before, not many, but um some people take it to such a degree of sophistication, which is not cuz the reality is I enjoy a drink, >> whatever it is. >> So you you might have felt also a bit of um dryness around the tongue. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. which is, you know, sort of um I think it's the I think it's the alcohol side of it. >> Okay. >> And if I've got it wrong, you know, bad luck. You're not going to know. >> So, do it again. >> So, you do it again, but now swish it. >> Okay. >> Around your mouth. Dad. And I reckon I've got it wrong. So you see that your cheeks sort of all you know sort of >> that one's more it's a it's more u there's more acid. >> Yeah. You get it you get it in the in your cheeks. You feel it in your cheeks and stuff. Yeah. >> Yeah. So now now you you know what you do is you do that and you actually >> That's nice. It >> is nice. >> That is very nice. >> Thanks brother. >> Cheers mate. You know, um, let me get rid of this. By the way, I don't know where, you know, you said, will you, you know, will the wife mind? She'll never know unless she watches this. >> Did Did you want to quickly wash it out? >> Did you want to quickly wash it out? >> No, mate. You know me, I'm as relaxed as they come. It's f It's funny because what I've what I've learned over time is that I just enjoy things and and you know, as we get older, our pallet changes, right? >> Yeah. >> So, what do you normally enjoy? You're a glass of red wine guy. >> So, absolutely love me red. So, I'll give a bit of story about my journey in red wine if you if you if you're okay with that. Is that So, I met Katherine, my wife. And >> by the way, it's her birthday tomorrow, which is why you're in Singapore on holiday. >> Yes, it is. Yeah. >> Amazing. >> So, 21st. >> And how long have you been married? >> 17 years. >> Oh, you should know this. You do know. >> 17 years. Cuz it's it's Piper's 17th birthday. So, >> amazing. When's her birthday? >> October. Okay. >> So, it must be Yeah. >> So, she's 16. >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Beautiful. >> So, um yeah, getting into meeting Katherine. >> Um I met her her family who were quite well known in South Australia and her auntie. Yeah. >> How like I don't >> Her auntie is the first female wine maker in Australia. >> Wow. >> Yeah. Pam Dunford. Yeah. So, uh, and then Colin was was Ernston Young and he was an accountant, you know, quite well known in all those kind of businesses. And anyway, Colin walked up to me one day and said, "Mark, I'm not really liking this." And he pulled me over the counter and there was three bottles of red wine and a bottle of Bundy Red. And he goes, "I really don't like this." I said, "Well, teach me to enjoy red wine." So Pam went, all right, let's go. So, she taught me, you know, you know, the different flavors and why there's a flavor and all that kind of stuff about red wine and and um she'd send me up wine and she rang up and go, "Hey, Mark. Hey, hey, how's your wine going?" "Yeah, it's going good. It's going good." "No, okay, I'll send you some more." She sent me a case of 2006 St. Honorry, Penfold St. Henry. >> Wow. >> And um >> that would have cost a pretty penny, right? >> Yeah. Yeah, it would have. And probably about 5 years too early to send it to me. Um I drank one bottle. >> You polished it off in a week, didn't you? >> Well, no. Nearly. She rang it. She said, "You know, what have you done with the wine?" I said, "What do you mean?" And she goes, "Where have you put it?" I went, >> "Drank it." >> Yeah. >> She goes, "What do you mean you drank it?" The same, "Well, you gave it to me. Isn't that what you wanted me to do?" She meant to hold on to it. I went, "Oh." I didn't have the heart to tell her that I drank one bottle one night. you know, as you said, drinking, eating meat. The second bottle um we drank with a mate as we were eating chips out of a colander and and Kath was like, "Do you remember doing this last time?" Of course I did. >> By the way, when I'm next in town cuz you invited me to one of these and I would love to go. So you you you did you set up this club? >> Yeah. So I have >> what do you call it? A gentleman's table. >> Gentleman's table. Yeah. So we've got this gentleman's table in the Brasa. So, it's all about us men, we're not very good at talking and and we we're very we're even better. We're even worse at organizing stuff. >> Um like you you say you're an introvert. I probably am 100% opposite >> uh uh extrovert and um even when I've done some business stuff, I generally am. >> Yeah. >> And I love socializing. I also love getting amongst guys and doing stuff that you generally wouldn't do. So, all the guys go, "Mark, you're you're amazing at organizing stuff." So I've just kept that going. So in Darwin, I started a a sort of wine wine group. We'd catch up and go for dinner. >> So what happens? So like how many of you in the general >> So in the Brasa the one we said in the Brasa there's about >> Well, sorry. I'm going to interrupt you cuz not everyone's going to be familiar with Barasa Valley. >> No. >> Tell them what Barasa Valley. >> So Brasa Valley. Um am I bold enough to say it's the best wine region in in in Australia or if not the world? Um I'm yes I'm very biased but uh >> it's a slice of heaven when you go there. You feel you feel like >> it's it's like Lord of the Rings. It's like you know Hobbington could be there. Yeah. >> Do you know what I mean? It's stunning. >> Yeah. It is nice. Um and uh so yeah I you know started this this group and I it started off by we didn't have a gentleman's table. We just I'd get hey guys let's go for dinner. We go out for dinner and we're going to buy some really nice wines and just enjoy our company. just catch up. And we started off with six BS um and then it went to I think it went up to 10 or 12 B. And then I then there was a few guys that said um we don't really understand you know why you know one of the guys goes it's a bit bitey. I what do you mean it's bitey? Well that's what I call it. I said why don't we set up a group bunch of BS we'll catch up with each other but we'll get some guys who will talk about the wine. So we we're lucky enough to be one in the Bryce Valley and two have a guy called Toby Barlow who's an amazing wine maker um and Paul Amos who who works with Y lumber and those two guys sort of organize the wine at at wholesale or good price. So we charge a certain amount. We uh put on a good feed uh and then some amazing wines. And so whoever's house at the first one was at my house I had eye fill it um lamb backstrap um wing. So, so what happens? Everyone brings a bottle of wine. >> No. So, >> everyone pays, let's say, you know, 350 bucks um >> for the night. >> Yep. >> 250 goes to the wine um per person and we we limit it to 12 people. So, Toby and Paul Amos go and buy the wine um and then they'll they'll bring it in and they'll go over. So, the first one we did uh was at my place and the we we always have a unicorn wine or something that you wouldn't have had or would would would normally have. >> Nice. >> So, I think we had a uh a sparkling and then we had our unicorn for the first time was a 2012 I think it was or 15. >> So, you always start with a sparkling. >> Always a sparkling first, but then it could be it could completely change. So, we've had five four now. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um, this one was was and I'll take this through in a minute. And then it widens. The next one was more on penos and stuff like that. And then the next one was >> And you put it on food to pair with that knowing what you're having. >> Not really. Yes. And it's sort of it it always has been awesome food. >> Is is the person whose house it's in, are they cooking? Are they all >> there? So when I did my one, I did the first one. I said I fill it, lamb backstrap, whiting, um, oysters. And then when we did Neil Bulocks, uh >> what did Neil do? >> Um we did he did a pig on the spit. It was amazing. >> He's a he's a really good chef. >> Yeah. Yeah. He's awesome. >> Really good chef. >> Um so our signature wine for that night was a Polish 2015 reserve. Sir Winston Churchill. So amazing champagne. And then we went on to having some Shab and and uh and >> Shabi was the first decent bottle of white that I had years ago. >> Yeah. I see. I love a good shepherd. You see with this group now, >> these guys just come up with different wines and you're like, I really like that. I really like that. Really like that. >> And one good thing is that you got a bunch of BS who don't normally, you know, as I said, men don't catch up, but we're catching up. >> And are you all from different industries? >> Um, we've probably got four four in the wine industry. Neil in in in in gin, uh, got myself, one, two in construction or or you know, >> it's a mixed bag. Yeah. Yep. I love it. >> And it doesn't matter. And we make sure we don't get, excuse punch, wankers involved. We don't want wankers there. We don't want guys who are going to stuff things up and and and be negative. If you're going to be negative, then see you later. I hate that. >> It's all about positivity and catching up and drink. >> That's there's many things I love about you. So, the the thing that I found in you is a kindred spirit. So, you know, if you and I message each other, you know, maybe a day will go by latest, but we'll always get back to each other. We're always engaged. are checking on you, checking on me. >> Um, and I've just, mate, I just need to I need to be there for one of one of those nights. >> Yeah. And I Yeah, I think um be great to have you. I think we tried, didn't we? We tried recently trying >> We tried something near and it didn't work. Yeah. >> Yeah. Flying But actually, flying to Adelaide is is very expensive from here. When you book your tickets, you probably noticed. >> Yeah. Know, I just did three. >> Yeah. There's no there's no Cuz there's no direct flight unless it's Singapore Airlines, and that's very expensive. >> Yeah. I just did three in business, so it was great. Yeah, mate. Jesus Christ. You're earning too much money. You know what? Your life I've never flown business class ever. >> Haven't you? >> Never. >> I think I I over um sort of seven eight hours. I think Yeah, you need to because it just makes it that more comfortable. >> No, listen 100%. I've just I'm useless with this whole points thing, but I don't know if it's because my blue collar blood. It's just like I'd rather Okay, I guess if someone was paying for it or you got the points, I run my own company, but I'd rather spend the money on other things. >> See, and actually, you're probably one of your what I'm going to say, how do I say this? You're probably the reason I'm here. Um, you said one of your podcasts is that you you want to experience things and, you know, do things. Have have experiences, not things. >> Yeah. And yeah, we we we can get back to this as well. The the men's group I've joined at BRS are good bloss. It's I'm trying to think and hopefully I get this get this right. It's not um it's not what you've got. We don't want things. It's experiences. I said I'm probably >> I'm all about that. >> And so I said to Piper and and as you know Keth, my wife had a heart attack eight 10 weeks ago. Yeah. >> Which sort of only 18 weeks ago? >> Yeah. I think it was 10 weeks ago I think. Yeah. >> And sort of woke me up and I went, "Wow." Um, you know, so I said to Py, me, you said, "Let's do some experience things. Where do you want to go?" >> Yeah. >> So, she said, "Oh, Singapore airport." I went, "Sorry, >> it's so funny that everyone wants to go to Singapore airport." >> And I went, it's >> Singapore airport. She Yeah. I said, "Okay, we go to Singapore as well." She goes, "Well, what's there?" I said, "Let's find out." Like me and Kath, we've been here, you know, two times before and loved it. And so, I said, "Okay, let's go." And you know to be fair the real honest truth was to you know come see you >> mate it means a lot and and listen I just I feel very blessed like I can't listen I said I'm 48 right and uh my wife's nickname for me for a long time in Singapore was Billy no mates because it's I have made friends in Singapore but most of my friends were expats and they've all left they've all left and you get to that point where you're like do I want to make another friend but they're going to be gone in two years time >> like us and Oh yeah. >> You know what I mean? It's it's tiring. Um but in the last two and cuz I'm an introvert and because of the nature of my job, I meet new people every day. >> The last thing you want to do in the evening is, "Hey, how you doing? What are you doing?" And I [ __ ] hate that. I don't give a [ __ ] what you doing. Are you a good guy? Do you know what I mean? Are we going to have some banter? Right? You know, I don't like talking about work really. And um so when we connected, I remember cuz we were we were making a fire. It was cold out. Um and I just >> We're having a cigar. >> We had had a cigar. >> We were sharing a cigar. Yeah. Yeah. >> Got really soggy at the end. >> Yeah, you were lips in it, were you? No. But and I and I had a great time, mate. And we became great mates. So, all right. So, go back to the rest of your story. So, >> um so yeah, construction, oil and gas. Um and then met, you know, obviously Steven panned him and then I came Katherine. I was away doing fly and fly out for >> How did you meet? >> Months. Um >> can you say >> yet? Tragic. >> So tragic. So before I went away went to a nightclub in in uh in in Darwin and I can dance. I'm a bit I'm a dancer. >> Are you sure? >> Yeah. Very much so. All right, man. >> Absolutely. >> Let's go. >> So, and so I used to like break dance when I was younger. >> No way. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, anyway, my sister had been over in New Zealand, so I flew her over to Darwin. So, let's get let's go out. Anyway, she said, "I'm I'm dancing some girls. Want to come come uh come dance with us?" So I was okay. I started breaking breaking uh busting a few moves like I used to do for you. Yeah. Thinking I thinking I was all that. Anyway, Kath, you know, I I said, "Uh, can I buy you guys a drink?" And Kath said, "No, I don't accept drinks of strangers." I said, "Okay, that's fair enough. Here's 20 bucks. Go buy yourself your go buy your own drink." >> Wow. >> While you're up there, can you get me a Roman Coke? >> [ __ ] me, mate. I've never heard that. >> And she went, >> "The ball's on you. I love it." >> Anyway, I don't know how long went past. Next thing she sort of came and kissed me and I was like, "What's going on here?" So anyway, one thing led to another. I don't know if it was that night, the next day. I was like, "What happened with the kiss?" They said, "Oh, me and the girls had a bet. First one to kiss a bloke. I thought you were all right." So yeah, you know, I won. >> Wow. >> And I went, "So I was a bet." And she went, "Yep. >> I love it." >> Okay. Anyway, she's, you know, a little bit older than me. And um, >> how old are you now? We're same age. Well, I was going to say, you know, the flights you were talking about, you're going to have to try and work some out cuz it's my 50th this year. >> Yeah. And it's mine 50th next year. When's your birthday? Which month? >> November. >> All right, we'll do it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, so yeah. And so, um, me and Kath have been together since 2004. >> Wow. >> February 2004. >> Beautiful. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It's, um, you know what? It's, as we know, a lot of our friends are getting divorced, have gotten divorced. I've just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. Me and Tara. >> I saw that. Yes. So when we went to the US, we uh we renewed our vows and um it was beautiful cuz it was just, you know, when we got married, it was just me and her. And obviously now we've got three kids and it was it was so beautiful, mate. It was just it was lovely and I just it was intimate. It was just the five of us and um you know like Tara last the end of 224 she had a spinal operation. She had a hyerectomy and mate she looked better than all of us in the pictures. She just I mean and my girls are beautiful. My son's good-looking. And I was just staring and I just thought, "She's beautiful." But she sucked the life out of me. You know, I'm getting older. She's getting younger. What's going on? But we're both blessed cuz Kath's an amazing woman. >> She's awesome. No, she she uh has definitely I met her when I was 28. Definitely the one that straightened me up. Absolutely. >> You needed it, mate. >> Yeah. Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. I I was I was playing up a fair bit and you know, obviously party and all the rest of it, but no, she's uh >> you need it's the love of a good woman. It changes everything. >> Agree. And you know, we got married and she said she already had two kids, Felix and Daisy, who are awesome and we've now got uh they've gone now both got partners. I've got grandkids. Um but uh she said >> mad. That's mad. >> Yeah, it is. It's crazy. And then she said uh I'm not going to have any kids. I said, okay, that's fine. After we got married, she goes, "All right, you can have one." >> She said that. Yeah. Okay, cool. And now we got Piper. >> Wow. And she's beautiful. >> Piper is Yeah, she's >> What is she What is she into now? Cuz I've seen her play I think I saw her play football and basketball. >> No, she was doing soccer. >> I saw I saw the girls played basketball. Neil's girls. Was Piper playing? I know. I saw Piper playing football. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. She was playing football and she was cheerleader. >> She was very tenacious on on the field. >> She's like she's short like me. Um she's she's a unfortunately she's a uh female version of me. So um >> yeah, pretty full on. >> Yeah. >> And uh love soccer. She was awesome at it. She's actually just quit this year. Um but she was doing awesome at uh cheerleading. She won a national champion for um >> Wow. >> for some um dance. >> Um but now she's it's all about gym now at the moment. She goes to the gym a fair bit. She's pretty bloody fit and >> amazing. >> Yeah. Isn't it great that cuz when I grew up girls didn't work out that much but now a lot more girls are switched on to it. >> Yeah, she's done well. Yeah, I was doing really well with gym. Um I'd like to think that well when I get back I'm going to get back in the gym again. So >> it's hard. I've not been working out the last few weeks. I've been a bit sick. I was traveling and I've I'm realizing now I'm sure you feel that I feel different now than I did maybe even 3 years ago. I just feel I'm slowing down a bit. So I've got to I've got to work on you know recovery. >> Yeah. Absolutely. I've been walking the last two days around Singapore. My legs are killing me. >> So, I have to get I'm going to get a massage tomorrow. >> You need to when you're in Singapore, go for a foot reflex. If if they offer you ping pong, it's not table tennis. >> Pingpong. >> Ping pong. >> Right. Right. >> So, no, but listen mate, that's awesome. So, now tell us tell us um how this idea came about. The business venture >> drops. Okay. So, >> drops a local um chauffeur business in Nebraska. Um >> Kath and I, we venture off a fair bit down to Otherness, a local restaurant in Angus, Nebraska Valley. And um they were talking about how um you know Grant the owner was saying how he always gets in trouble with you know not be able to get people home and people getting stuck and sometimes he had to drive people home and we've been we've been caught out a few times and he said someone really needs to do something and I'm always I'm always looking for that that next thing to do that that >> and and people forget is a rural area. >> Yeah. So, the crazy thing is that um we invite all these people from all around the world, come to the Boss Valley, drink our wine. Yeah. >> But work but work out how you're going to get around. Yeah. >> Which is crazy. And um >> the cabs, you know, they're there, but they're do they're doing their own thing. >> Um and then there's another company called uh Why Not Showers. They've got three cars doing an amazing job. And I thought I thought uh you know, like normal over a bottle of red. Katherine and I went, "Why don't we do it?" >> Yeah. >> And I went I went Yeah. Yeah. I went, "Okay, let's do it." So, we we started it. So, yeah, we've got drops. >> So, from from that night to the day you went into business, how long was it? >> Um, it took a fair bit of time to sort of talk about it. So, it was probably November, December last year that we probably started talking about it going, you know what, let's do it. >> That's pretty fast, though. >> Yeah. Well, we we we decided that let's not do it in the Christmas break, which would have been ideal because if we're going away, it's pretty silly to start something up then go away. Yeah. >> So, let's look at it when we get back. So, we went to Daisy's place for Christmas and Daisy and Matt >> and um came back said, "All right, let's start looking at it." >> And that took a fair bit. There's a fair bit of red tape. There's a fair few things. Now, you don't even get to that. You've got to you got to we had to set up the business and we had to set it up. Um and they said, "Listen, you can't set it up yet." What do you mean? You need a car. >> Yeah. Hang on. It's back to front. I >> I got to buy a car. >> Yeah. before I start up. They said, "Yeah." >> So, let me unpack it. So, did you have to get buy a commercial vehicle? >> No. So, I wanted to buy and it's really embarrassing. I wanted to buy a Hyundai Star. >> Yeah. >> Which I thought, >> great. I've I drove one of those around New Zealand. >> Great. I thought it was a good car. >> Then Keith um jumped in and said went out looking. Went up with a Hyundai Palisade. >> Yeah. >> Beautiful car. >> No, mate. It's a beautiful vehicle. >> Oh my god. It's got all the bells and whistles. It's amazing. >> It's top end. So we went and bought this car and then we said, "Right, can we go now?" >> So you bought the car. So did you buy the car just like a reg a regular car? >> Yeah. >> So did you But did you have a company incorporated or you had to buy in your personal name? >> Uh we bought it in the personal name first. Um and >> that's why I'm saying it's crazy. You can't It's upside down, isn't it? >> It it it was Yeah, it was it was it was backwards because we'd started the business, but we couldn't buy in the business name because the business wasn't making money yet. So, we had to buy it personally, then start the business and then get the accreditation. So, which we did. We've now it's all set up legit now with accountants, all that stuff now and all everything. Um, and we'll eventually swap it over and you know, I think whether we wait till get a second, we're going to get a second car and when it gets warmer, >> you know, you know, we have a lot in common cuz I told you a lot of people don't remember this or I set up a mobile spa business. >> Yeah. Yeah. Back in the days, >> we talked about doing a mobile um >> uh we we if he were hung over. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So we So so what happened was so I always got physio when I was doing sports and then in Asia to get a home massage it was not impossible back then because typically it would be a dirty service. It would be a naughty massage and my and I was trying to get massage services for my wife. So historically in Singapore, there were women that were like aunties that would look after pregnant ladies or post post delivery. >> Um, but they weren't a company, so you couldn't guarantee the the quality. So I thought, you know what, this would be a great business. It will mainly focus on women and I'll turn it into spa parties, like nails salons. I just thought if you think about >> Is that why your nails are so good? >> Oh, mate. I just clean them myself, mate. Polish bad boys up. >> That's good. Um but but but the funny thing is I really thought it to me it's ultimate luxury where someone will come to your house get the massage done and there were a few companies but I just didn't think it was gold star service like really beautifully done and then the goal was because Tara's granny lived with us for years until she was 102 the goal was I wanted to find health care for the elderly because the problem is when we had her living with us um we would have to get a nurse when she needed an IV drip or needed to be changed on the nursing bed. You need a specialist to come in. >> Yeah. >> And the nurses would swap out every week and she had dementia and Alzheimer's at this point. >> And then there was no consistency. So my business model was simple. Hire great people, pay them well, my margins will be lower and just provide a quality service. And then co happened. >> Yeah. >> I bought the van. I decked it out. You'd be really proud of me. I decked it all out so we could fit in six six uh massage tables, all the stools and whatnot. Right. the monkey chairs and everything. Put chairs in the back and I bought I bought the B van for cash and I've never lost money on any business venture before, but I lost quarter of a million dollars on that. >> Wow. >> Because during co I had to put some of the therapists up in accommodation. >> You got caught. Yeah, got caught. >> I got caught, mate. And then it was like, what do you do? And >> I just took it on the chin, you know. >> But you can't do anything else. But the the other thing is, you know, now why I mentioned that is because I was doing I was driving sometimes late at night because I had one driver, but there were times he was sick or he couldn't do it. So, I was doing shifts until like 2:00 a.m. and then going to work at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. >> It's hard work. >> It's hard work. There's a reason why I've got no hair, bro. I just wanted to try. >> I used to be 6'. >> Yeah, I was never 6' I used to be 5' 6 and 3/4. I'm now 5' 6 and a half. >> So, so and and then how's it been so far? It's been awesome. Really, it's taken off. It's crazy how how well it's taken off. Um, >> and I I was very upfront with, you know, people said, "Oh, the cab's going to be upset or this going upset." I'm not there to play in anyone else's sand pit. I'm making me own. And uh I wanted to see how it work. And the local uh the locals have embraced it massively. So, I I get a lot of people go, "Hey, Mark, we've we you know, we haven't been going out for dinner. Now, we know you're here. We'll just come we'll go out for dinner and we'll call you." >> Yeah. And uh >> and and it's good for it's good for the restaurants. It's good for the bars. >> So, a lot of the restaurants and um wineries are now just saying, "Yeah, listen, give give Drops a call first. Um give give them a call. If you can't do anything, you know, what it is what it is, but give them a call first and see what they can do." Um so, we're regularly getting um sort of booked out and what have we 13 weeks in and it's amazing. So, >> what have what have you got planned for your 50th? Because so for Neil's 50th when I came over I was trying to persuade him I forget the port. It's a it's a it's a probably a 13-hour drive from your place um where you can go and swim with the great white sharks in a cage. >> Yeah. Yeah. That's Port Lincoln. >> Yeah. Port Lincoln. That's it. And I >> You can drive yourself. >> Yeah. And I was trying to I said to him, "Let's go." And he goes, "No." I said, "Don't be a puss, but come on. Let's go." It's a once in a lifetime. It's either there or in South Africa. >> And he just wasn't up for it. >> I wouldn't do it either. It's not a not a chance. >> We're in a cage. >> No. No chance, >> mate. You're soft. Are you? >> Absolutely. No, not a chance. I will not get in the water. No. I I remember as a kid if it was a bit dark in a pool, I'd be scared. You know, I'm out. >> I know. It's It's Jaws's 50th year, >> is it? >> Yeah. >> I was going to go scuba diving today. Today. We left it too long. Too late to to book into the scuba diving thing to do that. >> Yeah. But Piper went with Dolphins. >> You got planned for your 50th. Have you got >> So, we're going to otherness where where where drop saw started. Otherness one otherness uh in Angon where it all started. We're going to hire out the whole venue and um you got to wear a bright shirt like what I'm wearing today and >> having a proper pie. >> Yeah. >> Wow. >> Yeah. We're going to start with with I wanted to go to France and K said well no France is is too cold. So we'll do otherness. We'll just drink French wine. We we'll start start with Polish Air then we'll go to some Chev and then >> So is how close is this to your home? Uh >> 5 minute drive. Fortunately, you know, a good cab. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Well, hopefully by then we'll have we'll have two cars and drivers. Um and I'll just put the two the you know book the two cars out for everyone who's got to get to and from every back and forth. >> Yeah. >> But have you got So for for my 50th the my challenge is so I turn 50 next September. My son will be turning 21 just after that. My daughter will have turned 18 and the youngest one will be doing her her 11 plus year PSLE. So unfortunately we can't do a lot because my son will be finishing his national service. So I've got a lot of trips planned whether or not they all go to plan. So I'll tell you one of them. One of them you might be up for doing with me if you fancy it. I'll tell you what it is. So end of December like after Christmas into the first week of January I want to go to New Zealand and there's a 7 to 10 day packing. You know what pack rafting is? where you carry a inflatable boat, a quality one, >> and you have to hike, but it's a seven to 10 day trip. Um, you can go with a group, but I I want to kind of go on my own because I want to take my time. >> They're pretty serious rapids down there, are they? >> They are, but they go up to two or three, but if there's a three, you should get out and and portage it and walk it, right? Um, but I I want to I want to bring the fishing rod. I want to bring a fly fishing rod. I'm a novice, but imagine catching a rainbow or a brown trout in New Zealand >> just with mountains in the background. >> Apparently, there's a lot of sand flies. So, I've even listen, I've even bought the mosquito netting for the face cuz they're they're savage. Um, so that's one of my trips that I really want to do. Um, and then I want to do things. I want to go to Egypt. I've never been to Egypt. >> Egypt be cool. >> It would be cool, right? The only thing is all the peddlers, you know, they're always trying to sell you things and apparently they're quite aggressive. that that changes the experience. >> Yeah. >> And again, I don't know if I can do all of these things, but I want to go to Patagonia. So, I want to go through via Argentina, have some great stakes, >> and um go to Patagonia, ride some horses, and do some fishing. >> So, these are the ideas I've got, but I don't how much how I don't know how they'll all pan out. >> Well, I'm looking at Japan now. >> Oh, yeah. >> I want to go and take Cath to Japan. Yeah. >> Oh, have you been? No, that's you obviously, you know, as I said, we want to do some experiences and you know, this is this one and and I want to go Japan next one. Um, I don't know when I'm going to do it, but I also like to do take Piper and Kath to Europe end of next year. >> Okay. >> So, we used to travel all the time and since we've started working, you get to South Australia. >> Life gets gets in the way, right? >> Yeah. Um, and that's uh when we get back, we're going to start advertising for some drivers for drops. >> Nice. >> Um, more drops. Do you think that will be easy or difficult? Because finding staff is always a challenge, right? >> H I'd love to think love, you know, in my uh love to love to say it's going to be easy, but it never is. You know, >> you hopefully get some guys that work during the day but want to do some work at night, right? Surely >> I've got a guy called Paul who's looking to come and say obviously if his name is Paul, he must be all right. >> Either that or he could be something else completely. >> He's he's a retired guy. He wants to really get involved. He's really good. Um, so that's looking pretty promising. So, we'll see what >> you can't you can't go wrong with Japan. It is. It is. >> Yeah. >> To me, outside of America, which I know you also love, it's it's my favorite place to go cuz you get that contrast of new and old. >> I'm trying to work out whether 7 days is enough or 10 days or cuz I'm not very good with going. There's a lot of 15 17 days. >> You listen, you you'll make it work and it depends when you go cuz they've got four seasons. So you you'll you'll love it. I promise you you'll love it. >> No, I'm looking forward to So that Yeah, that's my next trip. So I said to Pipes today, uh we we got back from her swimming with the dolphins jump in the pool. >> How was it? >> She It was amazing for her. >> She loved it. These are the pink dolphins, right? >> Were they not pink? >> No, >> you didn't see them. You weren't there. >> Yeah, I was there. They're not pink. They're not pink. They were blue. No, cuz they have pink dolphins in Singapore. Oh, >> yeah. They're unusual. No, definitely not. It wasn't. Okay. No. I thought you'd take Mickey then. No, >> I'm serious. They had they always historically have had pink dolphins. >> Can you not When Piper gets here, don't tell her they had pink dolphins. >> But the pink dolphins, they're not as active. They're not interactive in the same way. >> Oh, we walked through. Um, so we're at the aquarium, walked up, and this dolphin popped out and started talking to me. I'm like, and they said just whatever you do, don't touch them until you're with them. So like, and it just po me. Anyway, Pip jumped in with a group of people, and it was amazing. >> It was amazing. So yeah, really cool. >> And then talk talk to us a little bit about you had, you know, hope if you can't mention it, we can edit this out later, but you had the opportunity to go to potentially work in the US. Can you not talk? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. No, we can. So um what happened is that the the company I worked for um was looking at uh doing a few different things in the US. Um and um >> did you do a wrecky trip there? >> Yeah. So I went over. So the boss said, "Right, you're coming over. We're leaving in 4 weeks." I was like, "Oh, sweet. Texas. >> Yeah. So, we did I think it was 10 days and 13 flights. >> Um, so amazing. Love >> What do you mean 13 flights? >> So, we we we So, it was 13 flights within the 10 days sort of >> Christ. >> Yeah, it was it was massive. It was crazy. It was awesome. Um, everything above it was all hand luggage. So we went from Australia, which was warm, to ended up our first place we stayed a night was Kansas City. So it was -5 when we got there. >> Wow. >> Um, >> what time of year was this? >> Oh, I reckon it was March. >> It was 4° when we went to Jackson just now, Wyoming, and it it snowed and it hailed. It was meant to be bloody summer. >> Well, there was snow everywhere. It was crazy. And then so we went we stayed at uh Kansas City, night in Chicago, then we went down to Austin, Houston. So we went from minus5 down to 20° all with hand language. >> So yeah, had the opportunity to go over work. Uh we were going to move as as as you knew we, you know, Neil and yourself helped me work some stuff out. It turned out that it wasn't going to work. Um, which is, you know, it is what it is. You move on. Um, >> did you buy a pair of cowboy boots? >> Yes, I did. Yes. >> Where? Which is >> So, we got it in um Austin uh Austin, Texas. >> Did you buy a cowboy hat in the same place? >> Uh, no. The boss bought us a hat in Texas. >> Nice. >> I'm trying to think. At a servo called Bucky >> Bucky something. >> Okay. >> So, I got a pair. >> Did they shape the hat? >> No, it was it just a servo. So this Bucky thing was a massive servos over there. Um and he bought us all a hat and I got a pair of boots and everyone thought I was and cuz I was, you know, wearing loud shirts. That's me. >> I walked into one of the functions we had and I walked down about had the hat, the boots, the shirt and I walked up and the lady said, "Oh, can I help you?" And I said, "Oh, can I get two glasses of rosé?" She went, >> "I did not." She sort of went, "What? I did not expect that to come out of this." >> Yeah. >> I went, "Sorry, what?" She goes, "No, all good." Um anyway, yes, love America was awesome. The people awesome. >> You know, you know, the funny thing is cuz you you can see I've got a saddle there and I'm a frustrated cowboy cuz I grew up watching uh westerns with my dad. >> So did I. Yeah. Loved it. >> I flipping loved it. And so before we moved to America, I bought two replica guns. One was a Westchester. >> I've got a replica at home as well with a proper leather thing as well. >> Flipping it. Have you? >> Yeah. >> I'm coming around, mate. You want to watch? >> I love dress ups. It's awesome. See, you would laugh, but I'm not I'm not really like this, but I don't know why with westerns. So, like my probably my favorite Clint Eastwood western is the outlaw Josie Wales. A lot of people say unforgiven, but I love the Outlaw Josie Wales. And he's just a badass, in it. And uh yeah, but I So, so yeah. >> What do you think, Yellowstone? >> I love Yellowstone, mate. Um, so the funny thing is I watch Yellowstone from season one cuz I'm a big Kevin Cosner fan and Taylor Sheridan, the writer of that, he wrote the forward to this >> the Jim Lampley show and Jim Lampley said to me and in fact the Conor McGregor fight or non-fight was over this weekend and I saw he was sat there uh very almost next to to Tyson and um Mel Gibson was there as well. But what was interesting is is uh Jim Lampley said it was a really big compliment. I don't know if he meant it, but he said for people outside of boxing, the people with the most knowledge that he's come across is Taylor Sheridan. And he said like Taylor Sheridan really is a massive super fan >> cuz he's such a clever, intelligent guy. His breath of knowledge is serious. And then he said Joe Rogan. And then he said, "And now you make that list." And I said, >> "Nice." >> I said, "I don't know if you if you mean it or not." He goes, "I mean it." And I was just blown away. You know what I mean? But it's uh >> that was a good podcast. >> You know, one of the problems with having daughters and uh you guys will understand this. I I I want to stay dangerous. Thank you, sir. I want to stay dangerous. Any any boyfriends that come around that are a bit cheeky. So, this will make you laugh. My son, who's almost 6'2 now and is in great shape, my daughter brought home her first boyfriend. And then she was he sorry he was Caden started doing push-ups and he did something like 300 push-ups. >> Is that all >> in a row? No, it wasn't in a row, but it was it was ridiculous. And then and he goes, "Let's scare the crap out of him." So I said, "All right, get the chainsaw, the machete, the samurai sword, the baseball bat, and we'll leave it in the front." And I I said it as a joke. 10 minutes later, he goes, "I'm ready, Dad." And um he goes, "We're going to scare the [ __ ] out of this guy when he turned up." And then my wife came down and says, "What are you two doing? Put that stuff away." >> You've seen that you've seen that that scene from um >> Bad Boys. >> Bad Boys. Bad Boys. That's classic, right? >> Have you seen the last Bad Boys where he actually goes they actually see what he does when the the intruders come in? >> No, I haven't. I haven't seen that. >> Okay. I'm not going to You need to watch it. >> Really? Was it good? >> So So he's like ex you know the the uh the son who they give a hard time about. Well, son-in-law. They give a hard time. >> Oh, he's now she's now married. >> Yeah, she's married him. They're the same guy, that tall skinny guy. >> Yeah. And he, you know, he's really awkward. >> Yeah. >> And anyway, they have these people who who um break into the house and they're watching it. Anyway, he goes full Rambo on him. Anyway, like bust them up. It's crazy. And they're watching going, "What the hell the hell?" Anyway, he goes comes goes, "Oh, can I help with the barbecue?" Yep. Off you go. Take the barbecue. They're too scared of him. So, yeah. >> You know what? I've got mixed feelings about this because looking back, we should have scared the crap out of our boy. We should we should have put the frighters on him. But I was very nice to him. And the reason why I was nice because my wife's dad, he unfortunately died before we got married. And he gave me a bit of a hard time, but he was a sweetheart. And let me tell you how amazing this man was. And it made me, it changed my way of thinking about fathers and daughters. So, um, Tara and I had been dating for about four or five months. And we, we were getting pretty serious. But she was young. She was like 23 and I was like 25, 26. and she was in Hong Kong for business and he called me up. It was Friday night and he said, "Uh, what are you up to?" And I said, "I'm just having a few drinks with my colleagues." And he goes, "Come out for a few drinks with me and my mates." So I said, "Cool." So I met with him and um we went to two or three I can't even remember cuz I got very drunk. Two or three houses and it was like he was introducing me to everyone, kind of showing me off like a little puppy. Um but it was it was nice. And then um he said, "Let's go buy your place. We'll we'll grab a bag. Why don't you spend the weekend at mine? um I'll cook you breakfast in the morning. We'll get to know each other. And it it was just a very genuine thing. And as nice as >> as we were walking into the house, he put his arm over my shoulder. He goes, "Paul, you're like the son I've always wanted, but I never had." >> And on our one-y year anniversary, cuz he was a bit of a playboy. He's a bit naughty. He wrote uh like a love letter to us, wishing us happy anniversary. And he said, um, you know, I think you guys are going to make it. And he wrote this lovely long message. And then unfortunately he died a few months later. >> Oh, sorry. >> We we yeah, we got married maybe 18 months after that. And so obviously he couldn't walk her down the aisle or do that first dance, but we set a place for him at the top of the table. We got married in Bali and I read that letter out and uh everyone was in bits. >> Nice. >> Yeah. So I I thought, you know, treat people right. >> Yeah, I think so. >> Do you know what I So, let's let's talk about So, the next chapter, um, you're balancing work and and and the the taxi business, >> chauffeur, >> the taxi business, >> chauffeur business. >> I know. I'm just winding you up. I know. >> I know. But how's it all going? >> Yeah, it comes with it challenges. you know, we've talked about it the um you and I have obviously try and get into the gym a fair bit, but um getting back after Singapore, Kath and I are going to get back to the gym and and it's just sort of focusing on that home life balance, the new work that you how it all works because you don't want to let any of it down, but you also got to really focus on yourself and and at the end of the day, if you if you if you're not healthy and you're not doing well yourself, then you're not really going to put 100% in everything else. Soough, >> um, doing that is going to be a focus when we get back. I've got a PT I've already talked to and, uh, we've just done some this thing called Ever Lab, I think it's called. And, uh, >> what's that? Blood work or something? >> Yeah. Does a heap of blood work, even other stuff, tell you where we we where you going right, where you going wrong, and he scans, and wasn't real happy with them. They told him, "I'm um, abdominal obese, and I've got no muscles." And I was like, "What the hell?" No, but listen, you you go to any doctor and they'll say if you got a bit of muscle, they'll say you're obese, right? That's just forget that. >> Yeah, but it's not what I see in the mirror. >> Just telling you're a sex god. You know what I mean? But I I want to tell I want I really want to tell you this. I I think you serve as a great lesson for a lot of people that are thinking about doing things and don't have the courage to do it cuz I always say if not now then when? >> Yeah. And I think the last two years have definitely, you know, been a big testament to that. You know, that the the sculpture that, you know, as we we talked about at the beginning, you know, something that, you know, what is it? 1.2 ton of steel. Um, I said it was going to take me eight eight eight weekends and it took me 9 months. And then obviously the chauffeur business that Keith and I have started. Um, a lot of people won't won't take them. I won't start them. And um >> have you had um I mean cuz I find with business you'll have some supporters, a lot of naysayers, a lot of people quietly analyzing. Um and I find if you're lucky enough to get one or two people that are genuinely in your corner, good, bad, or whatever, it's rare. >> Um >> how have you felt the reception been? I I think Kath will probably agree with this that um it's been overwhelmingly positive. >> Okay. >> Which is really crazy and I agree with you. Generally, when I started my first business years ago, >> you forgot to you, by the way, you forgot to mention what you do part-time. You're a fireman. >> Yes. >> I forgot that. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Country Fire Service. I'm a lieutenant in the um fire brigade in Angus. Yeah. >> Mate, you must have seen some stuff though. >> Yeah. would have going on six years. I think I'm over six going on seven years now. >> I'd love to do that if I was living in the Brussels. I would sign up. >> Yeah, it's good. It's good fun. I wouldn't It was back in I reckon it was 2019 or something um when they had the big fires and I was sitting at home in the air con and uh watching it all h unfold um on my phone watching a movie with Piper and I lent over to her and I said, "Oh, I probably should do something." Yeah. And she went, "Well, why don't you?" I went, "Okay, uh, I might." >> So, I I rang up the brigade and obviously they were going through what they were going, they couldn't do anything. So, I reckon it was a January, February, I went and saw them. >> And it's obviously that's when CO kicked in and and it took me a while to get in. But then when I got in, all of a sudden, I'm fighting fires. You I went into a structure fire course and I was doing um BA, so I you know, I'm trained in um structure fires, um, grass fires and that kind of stuff. And then uh Alri Gay probably struggled with getting volunteers. So I probably went up the ranks a lot quicker than normal. So going up to lieutenant. >> Um so I could run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run the jobs run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run the truck. Um but now obviously with drops I've stepped back a little bit and I'll let them know I say guys you know I want to uh focus on this this a little bit. Um but we're we're lucky enough to have an amazing uh >> you got a great crew right? >> Yeah. in the last year we, you know, our intake's been awesome and we've got an awesome crew. So, >> well, you got Neil into it and he loves it. >> Yeah. Yep. So, Neil and I, we've done a fair few structure fires together. >> It's good. It's good. Good going into a fire when you got someone you know and trust. >> You're a renaissance man. If you think about you've done all these different things. >> To wrap up, >> what would you say to any people out there that are working a 9 to5 that are thinking about doing something business-wise? Um, I think first off, obviously have a plan and work out what you want to do, but there's no reason not to do it because >> one of my good mates was always like, every time you don't do anything, you're going to fail. So, what what's true >> have have a go and and um if it falls over, all it is going to be is a lesson to what you do next. Um, so have a go and don't let don't let one yourself stop you. >> Yeah. >> Um, because, you know, let's be honest, we're we're our own worst enemies. >> Um, don't let yourself stop you, but don't listen to the naysayers. Um, and focus on the positive. You grab some let's grab one or two people who are going to be positive like yourself, like grab the positives and focus on that. And the negative, deal with them later. Ignore them. We'll deal with them later, >> mate. Well, listen. Thank you for doing today, >> mate. Thank you. >> And I appreciate your friendship more than you perhaps know. And um we're going to have a great dinner now. So, >> I'm looking forward to it. >> Cheers, mate. >> Cheers. >> Thanks, Ny. >> Thanks,

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