About Me
Over the past 40 years I have developed and operated a variety of businesses in South East Queensland. These include travel and social clubs, a licensed restaurant, limousine and hearse manufacturing, limousine and bus operating and managing both holiday and permanent complexes. My businesses have been based in Brisbane, Tamborine Mountain and, for the past 20 years, on the Gold Coast. I have started and operated these businesses and so have been involved in all management areas - marketing, public relations, accounting , personnel etc.
I am 64, married (my wife Gayle is a primary school teacher) with three adult children.
Experience - Work History
2007 onwards |
Relief Manager |
Contracted as a relief manager for various businesses including: Bayview Bay Apartments & Marina - Runaway Bay, Gold Coast |
2004-2007 |
Resident Manager |
Castles In The Sky |
1998-2004 |
Resident Manager |
Sunset Court Holiday Apartments |
1992-1997 |
Managing Director |
Explorer Gold Coast I began the business with one mini bus in 1992, carrying tourists to major Gold Coast attractions. The business built up to three buses over five years. |
1989-1997 |
Managing Director |
Sovereign Engineering Pty Ltd I built a factory in Brisbane and managed the manufacture of stretch limousines and hearses. |
1987-1992 |
Managing Director |
Sovereign Limousines Pty Ltd I began this business with three limousines and over a period of five years, it grew to an owner/driver business of 15 vehicles. Committee member of Limousine Association of Queensland. |
1980-1987 |
Managing Director |
Bungunyah Mountain Retreat Pty Ltd I developed Bungunyah Restaurant on Tamborine Mountain having bought a dilapidated building and finishing with an historic licensed restaurant. |
1969-1979 |
Managing Director |
International Adventures Pty Ltd Operated safari style trips all over Australia and overland to London. At the same premises I established: The Adventurers Club The Riverside Folk Club and The Brisbane Jazz Club which continues to operate at the same premises. |
Education
1955-1967 |
Various marketing and tourism based seminars and conferences |
1963-1966 |
Advertising Diploma Course. Brisbane Technical College |
1955-1962 |
Leaving Certificate. The Kings School, Sydney |
Other Skills
- Software: Ezyrez, Hirum, most MS Office applications, MYOB and Outlook Express
- Handy man skills: I am familiar with workshop and power gardening tools
- Heavy vehicle driving license
- Restricted letting license
- Previous holder of limousine, licensed restaurant and gaming licenses
References
Member of ARAMA
As a courtesy to my referees I have not listed their personal details on the web.
However, as a final check before I am engaged
I will provide names
and contact details.
Following is an extract from one reference:
To Whom It May Concern
We have had the pleasure of knowing the Atkinson family since 2000. We had Management Rights across the road from Bill and Gayle’s Management Rights for a couple of years and we developed a great relationship with them during that time. Once we sold out Management Rights and moved on our friendship continued even when we moved overseas to Hong Kong for a number of years.
We are involved in Social groups of which Bill plays an integral part of the organisation. His interpersonal skills are amazing in whatever situation he is in. He never ceases to amaze us with the communications he had with all people in different walks of life.
His zest for life is an inspiration and his continued enthusiasm in all activities is a remarkable asset that draws people to enjoy his company.
Signed Paul and Sandra
Below are an indication of other references to be provided:
Business References
- Owner/operator of a respected Gold Coast accommodation service.
- Owner/operator of permanent complex with 50 houses.
- Owner/operator of holiday complex in Surfers.
Personal References
- Consulting communications and electronics engineer
- Specialist Doctor
- Small business owner/operator with contracts with Brisbane City Council.