Manager, DaVinci Yacht Charters
How long have you been with DaVinci Yacht Charters?
Three years ago I started as a captain to fill in some time. When we purchased our second yacht, I started full time as the founding Manager of DaVinci Yacht Charters.
What were you doing / where were you living & working before?
Prior to coming to Phuket I was in Hong Kong and China for seven years, working in the marine industry as a captain and offshore sailing instructor and for two years as a project manager with a well known Asia-wide yacht broker.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Morwell, the power generation hub of Victoria, Australia. I trained in electrical/mechanical engineering in the coal mining and power industry and went on to own and operate an electrical contracting businesses. At 43 I sold up and went sailing full time.
What’s special / different about DaVinci Yacht Charters?
DaVinci: Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek 2013
We're very service oriented. Our primary considerations are that our guests are safe, that they're well taken care of and that they have a great time out on the water. We try to follow our well-knows Italian restaurant's motto, which is: "Great food and people you know".
Why would someone choose your service compared to your closest competition?
We have a great reputation for beautiful well-maintained yachts and great service. From the hotel to the yacht, and return, our guests are well taken care of every step of the way
Tell us something about your role in the business?
We're a young business, so I'm a bit of an all-rounder... from driving yachts and training staff to the booking office, marketing and accounting. As we are growing many of these roles are moving to new staff positions.
What are the main challenges as they relate to your role?
As we're experiencing quite rapid growth, managing the strategic increase in skilled staff, for both operations and administration, is challenging in a specialised service industry such as ours. Add to this the seasonal shifts in tourism and it becomes even more so.
…and what are the biggest difficulties you have to overcome?
Well, I've been studying the Thai Language for four years now; I can read and write Thai quite well, but my comprehension, vocabulary and spoken Thai progress much slower than I would have liked. I'm a firm believer that life in Thailand will be greatly enhanced for anyone who can communicate fluently in Thai.
What is your main target market?
We actively target several markets, from the traditional European and Australian markets to the now established yacht-loving Russian market and the emerging markets of Korea, China, India and the middle east. Each requires different marketing approaches and different product packaging.
Marketing is obviously important – what is your approach to marketing DaVinci Yacht Charters ?
We use many marketing strategies to ensure good brand presence within the local tourism market. Both for our iconic Italian restaurant in Nai Harn and our yacht charter business also based in the south of Phuket. Radio, magazines, newsprint and billboards, as well as sponsorship of community events and yacht racing to develop brand awareness throughout the region. We use the internet extensively for marketing into the west and into China, for those planning holidays in advance.
What do you like most about what you do now?
I have spent most of my life running my own businesses, The challenges required have always been attractive to me. I like the diversity of roles required in management.
And what do you like least…?
Sitting long hours in the chair and the resulting lack of exercise.
What do you (and the business) hope / expect to achieve within the next 3-5 years?
For the yacht charter business we're on track for over 100% growth this year and expect to see 50% each year for the next three years. Some of the emerging markets are very exciting; we hope to capitalise on our strong connections and experience in the Chinese market.
What do you see as your biggest successes to date?
Back-to-back wins in Phuket Raceweek and our successful entry into the Korean and Chinese markets.
To what extent does the current global financial mess affect your business?
We entered the market, for the most part, after the mess, so it's there and things will be better as the European economy recovers – which it is now showing signs of doing.
Is the DaVinci group involved in any CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programmes?
Yes, quite a lot, from charity fashion parades ('Black is Back') every year at Davinci Restaurant to the purchase of a kids sailing dinghy at Ao Yon , a floating pontoon for the Ao Chalong Yacht Club and annual sponsorship of Go Eco Phuket. Both our restaurant and our yacht charter business have given many prizes for charity event auctions. We're also a member of "Clean Up the World" and have several community activities in the pipeline.
Please give us an overview of your typical day ‘at work’. What tools (if any) do you use to schedule your time?
Well the best thing about my job is that the work is extremely variable. Most days I start in my office at the computer, where I spend many hours.
We get many inquiries from around the world and a lot of these come in overnight. Often I need to head out to the Ao Chalong or Ao Po pier to greet guests prior to their cruise. Once a week a visit to the various chandleries and twice a week yacht inspections. And, every now and then I get out on one of the yachts for a charter or some VIP entertainment.
How would you describe your leadership style?
Open and inclusive. I believe in passing responsibility down the line and enjoy watching staff get a buzz from their efforts.
What's your over-riding ambition at this stage in your life?
To build a great family life, an exceptional vibrant and progressive business and develop healthy life style habits.or anyone who can communicate fluently in Thai.
For Further information about DaVinci Yacht Charters
+66 89 588 3476 www.davincicharters.com
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