meet rob, our general manager.
How long have you been with aquatic achievers?
I’ve worked for aquatic achievers for just 7 months, but a customer for a few years.
What’s your story?
I grew up in regional Queensland and when old enough chased the lights of the big city. I was fortunate enough that my parents bought me a one-way plane ticket overseas when I finished uni. This one act of kindness led me to having the opportunity of working and playing in many parts of the world. I’ve been a Bar Tender, Hotel Management Trainee, a Jackeroo, a Travel Agent, a HR Manager, a Project Manager, an Operations Manager, a Senior Executive and now a General Manager. I love the community where I live…part of the reason why I came home from overseas. I love finding ways of connecting and contributing. I’m in love with my family, my wife Emily and my three children Millicent, Raffy and Louis. When I can get Rob time, my favourite ways to spend it include surfing and catching up with my mates.
What’s a typical day look like?
My typical day can be anything from working through operational requirements like “are we going to replace our pool covers” through to trying to figure out what aquatic achievers might look like in 5 years time, and what we need to do to get there. Why I love this role is the variety, the impact it makes on our local communities and helping our leaders find their way in being leaders thems
What made you join?
I held a senior role at Rio Tinto and reached a point where I wanted to find a different type of business to make a direct and tangible difference. It was a big decision for me and meant taking a risk. What helped me make the decision was two things….the opportunity to do something great with a business, and the fact aquatic achievers was still a family business.
What keeps you here?
The opportunities to do something great with what has been built over the past 40 years. There is a great entrepreneurial spirit with the Douglas Family and a willingness to have a go. That is what encourages me and excites me, and I want to help paint the picture of what is possible…and help us get there.
Do you have a celebrity crush?
Mick Fanning. The man is a world surf champ. The man is a good looking bloke…fit and healthy. The man travels the world surfing the best breaks. And the man owns a brewery. Now tell me why not to have a crush on him.
Favourite ice cream flavour?
Cookies and cream. Hands down the best. Quick fact…my wife Emily won a Baskins & Robins ice cream tasting competition out of 1,000 people where she was the only one who tasted and correctly picked the 31 flavours whilst being blindfolded. She won a trip to the USA for two weeks for such ice cream mastery!
