By Business & Finance 
Brian Bowler, GM of The Montenotte Hotel, Cork.
Brian Bowler, GM of The Montenotte Hotel, Cork takes the Business & Finance 60-second interview.
Q. What was your first job? I have worked in the hospitality industry since the age of 12 when I had my first summer job which was a combination of Petrol Pump attendant, Kitchen Porter & Chief Toasted Sandwich maker in a local pub where I grew up on the Dingle Peninsula. I also grew some vegetables on my parent’s farm which I then sold to the same pub…. My first Management position was as Duty Manager in the Gleneagle Hotel Killarney on graduating from Trainee Management. Q. What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date? I am really proud of all of the properties that I have worked in and the teams that I have worked with. When leaving to begin a new job I have always felt a sense of achievement in that I have helped improve the overall performance of the business. I do think that what my team and I are helping to create here at The Montenotte has been a great achievement and is getting better and better as we continue to develop such a unique hotel offering. Q. In three words or fewer, how do you define success? Consistent standards of Excellence Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? To never burn your bridges. Q. How do you motivate yourself and your team? I am self-motivated by the idea of continuous improvement and development. Through investment The Montenotte has undergone a massive physical change over the last 3 years and so too has our culture. I have found that consistent communication of our Vision and ensuring that everyone on the team knows that they are playing a part in our evolution provides strong motivation for them. In this industry we are constantly receiving feedback on our performance through a number of channels on a daily basis so everyone here is motivated by providing a great hotel experience and creating happy customers. Q. If you could step into the shoes of one business person for the day, who would it be and why? Willie Walsh – I admire how he handled so many challenges such as increased competition, the economic downturn, airline crew disputes and even the ash cloud situation back in 2010 all the while overseeing major change in how the company operated. Q. How do you relax? Spending time with my family, with three kids even days off are busy, my kids have a far more exciting social life than my wife and I do. I do like gardening and find it a relaxing escape when the weather allows and if I can make it back home to Dingle every now and again then that’s a bonus. Q. What’s your motto? ‘There is no growth in comfort.’ Q. What are your aspirations for the future of your business? To establish The Montenotte as the leading independently owned boutique hotel in Ireland, providing high end luxury customer experiences at all times.
Never burn your bridges.
