Leon had a very rapid career vocation course. Having done army he decided he wanted to be a pilot. But on just that first Durban – Jo’berg – Cape Town trip, Leon was bored to death. And hence the move to hospitality, his beginning his studies at Wits Hotel Management School.
Appropriately for his line of work, the course covered everything – accounts, quality standards, HR, law and of course wines and cheffing. And it’s this that he likes most about the work – no two days are ever the same.
His career began in Scotland at Dornoch and Aviemore (where he more than made the most of the weather, in the Summer rising at three to fish and then having a early morning braai with wife Alison who brought the freshly baked rolls. And in the winter, skiing).
His work then took him to a wide variety of places, the Okavanga Delta, Cederberg, Waterberg and Kruger. In fact during his stay at Cederberg the American publication ‘Travel and Leisure’ rated his establishment the fifth best in the world!
Then, a couple of years ago he tried his hand at corporate clothing, but quickly grew bored, so it was to Lythwood he arrived in 2011. Here he partners well with his wife who has the temperament for the administrative and financial side of the business.
Headaches – like James Hurst and Yvonne Cordner there aren’t any really. He seems to like it all and certainly was looking pretty relaxed when I met him. Perhaps it’s because as he said he’s able to distinguish between the almost-too-late requirement to supervise a situation versus managing it well by planning up front.
And when he’s not working? Leon relaxes with golf, fishing and, if he can get away with it, loud music.
MidlandsCONNECT 