David – Senior On-site Manager

Team Spotlight

David – Senior On-site Manager

Team Spotlight

David has worked with the company in a number of forms over the past couple of decades which has given him a wealth of experience resulting in us using him as the Senior On-Site Manager at some of the largest events we run. David has an in-depth knowledge of our solutions (and helps to shape the future products and services) and his years of working at the sharp end of the industry have meant that he can come up with a solution for pretty much any issue or query that could arise. With his contacts in the industry he also helps us with business development. Here’s what he had to say…

When did you join JET?

December 1997

Where are you based?

Wherever JET needs me! As a consultant hired in for individual shows, or to provide advice on the office I’m wherever the company needs.

What have been your impressions of the events industry?

Mad, bonkers, busy, addictive pile of fun and hard work.

First song bought?

Probably the first A-Ha album.

If you were going to run an event, what would it be?

I already run a few – alongside one of the more successful UK computer games developers and the charity I’m an ambassador for. Combining the geeky heroes from my youth with raising money for charity and providing entertainment to our audience. Incredible fun.

The song you’d sing at karaoke?

If anyone has heard my singing voice – and I wouldn’t recommend it – they’d agree that I should choose something spoken word. On stage with the event and live show I tend to stick to the Bill Shatner style versions of songs, or a bit of Monty Python.

Worst job you’ve had (hopefully not this one 😉)?

Having done this job since before I left university, the “worst” probably started when I was working whilst still at school for an HVAC Controls company. Ended up being electrocuted at least twice and learned a lot about how NOT to run a company.

Favourite Film?

Tricky question as I love films – probably Withnail and I. Topical as Richard E Grant was nominated for an Oscar this week, but his Hamlet soliloquy to the wolves in London Zoo as a “failed” actor was probably one of the best renditions of those lines I’ve heard. That and it’s full of quotable lines. Either that, or Almost Famous – incredible soundtrack.

Who would play you in a movie?

Me.

Favourite Food?

A variation on Oeufs en Meurette – traditional New Year’s breakfast I make, though I tend to serve it with a side of grilled portobello mushroom with a topping of black pudding, stilton, garlic and olive oil. Totally decadent.

Favourite Drink?

Quite fond of a decent Fleurie, though any decent red with a good book of a quiet evening suits me fine.

Favourite Holiday/Place to go on holiday?

Anywhere that doesn’t involve sitting and doing nothing. The Governor’s Camp in the Masai Mara was probably the most spectacular holiday. Sleeping under canvas; seeing Lions and Hyena waking with the dawn; capturing the most phenomenal sunrise images on the camera and eating my breakfast off the bonnet of a Land Rover. I visited many times but still many places still left so I want to go there 😊

If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go?

Japan.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Split 50/50 – I’m a major fan of driving and working on lightweight cars, particularly Caterhams but when at home, probably writing and broadcasting our Thursday evening radio show and doing all the voice work for sketches and skits. I rediscovered a love of writing and performing around 4 years ago and haven’t looked back since.

What one thing could you never give up?

My books.

What’s your biggest achievement?

I OUGHT to say becoming a father as it’s been an incredible rollercoaster so far, but probably last year’s Bike & Hike up Mount Teide. Taking 14 middle aged unfit types on a ride of 50km uphill then a 5.5 hour hike in the dark and -4 degree temperatures to the 3718m summit of the volcano was the most incredible experience, raising nearly 14,000 for charity and finally at 42 years old finding where my limit was, and passing it thanks to the wonderful friends that came with me. Once again, the pictures were amazing and the whole experience of that hike will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Tell us something we don’t know about you.

Twice now my voice has been mistaken for Derren Brown – if only I had his skills!

 

Follow David on LinkedIn

If you’d like to join our team, please check out our careers page for the latest vacancies.