We chat with David Assef, Managing Director, Spicers Retreats about naughty behaviour, an interest in deep space and birthday parties.
The challenge for the industry is…Labour shortage in professional restaurant staff and chefs.
The things I like about my job…Working with a fun passionate team and a great product.
And the frustrations are… not having a coffee machine at work.
If I didn’t work in travel…A deep space explorer.
Favourite airline? Virgin/Qantas domestic, Etihad international.
My proudest moment was…The birth of my son.
The naughtiest thing I ever did…Put 100’s & 1000’s in a dryer with white towels & sheets when I was 12.
I try to relax by…Exercising, reading, movies, dining.
The last time I feared for my life was…Was in Marrakesh, Morrocow being dropped off at night in the middle of the Medina (old world centre) to be taken to our Riad (traditional B&B) tight narrow streets, high walls, lots of people, dark… our host said stay close, come quick, not safe!
If I can, I always try to avoid…Sharing my sour worms or sour patch kids.
I really wish I had the ability to… The ability to circular breath to play the didgeridoo well and stop annoying my work colleagues with my 10sec blasts that I practice daily for 5 minutes at my desk!
The best advice I’ve ever received was… If you change nothing, nothing changes, consider all possibilities and if you cant help people help themselves, then at the very least don’t hurt them!
I don’t understand why… complain and don’t like sour lollies.
My greatest weakness is… A pulled pork and bacon roll, with melted american cheddar, southern style sauce…no slaw.
And my greatest strength is… My hero, my bride Stephanie.
If I won a $1 million lottery (aside from travelling), I would…continue to do what I do because I love making memorable moments for the 1000’s of guests that experience a Spicers retreat. I’d also support the Liver Transplant Organ Donation (donatelife.gov.au)
If I was President I would…I would show former prime ministers how to bowl in cricket.
If I could be someone else for one day I would be… Dalai Lama or a dog.
I’ve always wanted to travel to… Lebanon, Italy, France, Malta, Japan, Vietnam, Columbia.
My favourite vacation was… Port Douglas & Vegas for my 40th.
