Stephen J. Hunt - Find. Build. Sell.

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STEPHEN J. HUNT

First published in 2022 by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd

42 McDougall St, Milton Qld 4064

Office also in Melbourne

© John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd 2022

The moral rights of the author have been asserted

ISBN: 978-0-730-39986-5

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (for example, a fair dealing for the purposes of study, research, criticism or review), no part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, communicated or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission. All inquiries should be made to the publisher at the address above.

Cover image: © MilenaKatzer/Getty Images

Cover design by Wiley

DisclaimerThe material in this publication is of the nature of general comment only, and does not represent professional advice. It is not intended to provide specific guidance for particular circumstances and it should not be relied on as the basis for any decision to take action or not take action on any matter which it covers. Readers should obtain professional advice where appropriate, before making any such decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the author and publisher disclaim all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any person taking or not taking action based on the information in this publication.

Some events, people and timeframes have been condensed, merged or truncated to keep the story rolling along.

This book is dedicated to my wife Fidelma and my children Holly, Suzie, Dermot, Aidan and Rory.

Writing this book has been a huge endeavour and one that could not have been possible without the support of my family and wider team. It's a representation of my journey through life (so far) and an opportunity to share the insights and experiences I have gleaned from that journey. I would like to shine a light on the many people who have walked this path with me, who have helped me and contributed a chapter of what has become the story of my life. I am grateful to you all.

Firstly, to my wife Fidelma and my children — Holly, Suzie, Dermot, Aidan and Rory — for your ongoing and unconditional love and support. I could not do what I do without your encouragement. You make it all worthwhile. (And to my two beautiful dogs, Dusty and Snoop, for helping me remember that at heart, I am a Hunter.)

To my mum Suzanne, my dad Peter and my siblings (David, Joanne, Phillip and Elizabeth) for the love and support you provided to me growing up, and a big thanks to my eldest brother, Dave, for being my rock and a constant voice of reason and sensibility.

To the Backyard Beer Tender: my childhood buddies, all legends in your own way, and in your own lunchtimes. You're a huge part of my life, then and now, as are your families. Thank you. In no particular order:

James Boyle

Daniel Wheeler

Andrew Stevens

Stephen Duggan

Paul Hester

Ben Taylor

Neil Coyle

Jon Farrell

Gavin Yu

Grant Lyndon

Nick Russell

Simon Loughery

David Sutton

Andrew Cairns

Jane Sandral

Katie Chad

Belinda Driver

Bridie O'Sullivan

Sharnie Lofgren

Emma Hales

Penny Zatmury

Louise Malone

Michelle Jeffers

Libby Ellis

Lucinda Maloney

Jane Collins

Catherine Hamilton

If I have forgotten anyone, I apologise.

To the Hunt Hospitality International (HHI) team: true champions in every way, for having my back and for your loyalty. You are my extended family. I hope I do as much for you as you have done for me:

Kris Gladwell

Jason Archer

Ricci-lee Wheeler

Corey Park and Hannah Purdy

Tony and Cat Jackson

Corey Baker

Wendy Berlin

Terri Jones

Jeremy Cusack

My chief advisors:

Cath Antaw

Andrew Wennerbom

Alex Thompson

Simon Rutherford

Marin Kennedy

To my investors and business partners past and present for your support. In no particular order:

Brent and Katia Penfold

Tim Wearne

Michael Mitrovits

Annette Pulbrook

Kathy Richardson

John Curnow

Graeme Cunningham

Gus Gilkison

Nick Wormald

A special thank you to Greg Maitland for being my valued mentor; what you don't know about putting a deal together isn't worth knowing. Thank you.

To the Bayfield family, especially Wayne. You were great mentors who really taught me the importance of the community/pub relationship.

To the team at Westpac bank, Jeff Hurdis, Michelle Smith and Luba Finch, for being such honest and helpful bankers.

To James Brindley from Lion, Peter Filipovic from CUB, Michael Ritoli and Fred Jones from CUB Special Beverage, the team at LMG, especially Aidan Desmond and Amanda Williams for being such great supporters, the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and in particular John Thorpe (RIP), Scott Leach, John Wheelan, John Green, Sean Morrissey and Phillip Ryan.