I’m a purveyor and cultivator of outstanding human experiences.
My Mission
To make my team, workplace and family better each and every day. I find great personal satisfaction in finding solutions to every day challenges.
Specialties
Operations Management
Luxury Food & Beverage Hospitality
Premium Cigar Service
Venue Set-up & Consulting
Corporate Accommodation
Workplace Training & Assessment
Asset Management
Talent Acquisition
Career Highlights
Sept 2021 - Present
Concierge, The Melbourne Club
Concierge and member services at the iconic Men’s club in Collins St Melbourne.
Feb 2007 - July 2020
Operations Manager, Astra Apartments
Co-owner of Astra Apartments - South Yarra, St Kilda Rd & Docklands territories. Corporate Accommodation business with 40+ private residential apartments over three locations.
Jan 2003 - Dec 2005
Hospitality Lecturer, Holmesglen Moorabbin
Teaching and delivering certificate courses in the hospitality industry for local and international students.
Jan 2000 - June 2002
Retail Operations Manager, Swedish Match Australia
Overseeing and managing the set up of luxury Cigar Divans (retail/lounge facilities) across Australia & New Zealand.
Jan 1999 - Jan 2000
Hotel Manager, Beaumaris Pavillion & Mentone Hotel
Overseeing day/night operations across both premises. Supervising and assisting a large food & beverage and drive through liquor store. Cash reconciliations for all departments.
May 1998 - Jan 1999
Consultant, Citrus Restaurant Beaumaris
Employed to manage the set-up and creation of the new “fine dining” establishment, Included selecting cutlery, crockery and glassware, internal fit out, employing and training staff and facilitating their “Grand Opening”.
Feb 1996 - May 1998
Crown Casino, Melbourne - Various Roles
Initially employed to set up and manage Fidel’s Cigar Bar ahead of the grand opening of Crown Casino Southbank.
Selecting and training staff to provide service for Crown’s high end VIP guests.
Manager of The Latin restaurant, rebranded to Piero’s.
Manager of Cecconi’s restaurant.
July 1987 - May 1994
Owner/Operator, Botanical Hotel South Yarra
With my partners, turned the premises into a modern fine-dining meets cocktail bar premises. Created and fitted out a function room and beautiful takeaway liquor store at the ground level. To this day “The Bot” remains ones of the loved and successful venues in the area.
July 1984 - May 1989
Owner/Operator, Red Eagle Hotel Albert Park
With my partners, purchased and transformed this run-down hotel property into a much loved and thriving local business. The Red Eagle was an instant hit and re-defined people’s perceptions of the modern Australian “corner pub”.
Formal Education
Sept 2020 - Feb 2021
MSA - Monash Training & Professional Development
Cert IV - TAE40116
Training & Assessment
Jan 2004 - March 2004
Holmesglen TAFE
Cert IV - BSZ40198-OC
Training & Assessment
Jan 1979 - Dec 1981
William Angliss
Certificate of Travel & Tourism
About James
At the end of the day, I’m a family man at heart. My greatest personal achievements are my two boys and beautiful wife.
Professionally, I’ve been a business owner and operator my whole life with a passion for hospitality.
Outside of work my other loves include cars, guitars, cigars and luxury watches.
In my spare time you might find me cruising around bayside in my ‘56 Thunderbird or down at the local stadium playing, watching or coaching basketball.