Our Meet the Team series is all about sharing the experiences of our team and giving them an opportunity to share stories from both inside and outside of the Gallowglass world. This time, we had the pleasure to interview Adam Cable, our Regional Manager for London, and pick his brains about his time with us.
What was your experience before joining the Gallowglass team?
I worked in Hospitality Management for 11 years, high-end cocktail bars, hotels and members clubs. I moved to London when I was 19 from a small town in Kent, where nothing much ever happened. It was a massive eye-opener, and I had to grow up extremely quickly. I started working at the Hospital Club in Covent Garden, which is a multi-floor members club with two restaurants, where I was taught mixology by some of the best bartenders in London. Slowly moving my way up the ladder and gaining in confidence I was offered the opportunity to manage one of London’s most iconic bars, Bar 190 @ The Gore Hotel in South Kensington. This was the pinnacle for me, a venue where I could leave my mark and where we were nominated for multiple awards whilst turning this once-forgotten sleepy bar into a thriving weekend hangout for the rich and famous.
How long have you worked at Gallowglass?
A little over eight years now. I spent four years out on site as a crew chief before moving into the office where my first role was as London’s Resourcing manager and now as London’s Regional manager.
What does a typical day involve for you?
Looking after anything up to 150 crew in London and the south-east. The day to day running of the operations department for my region and catering for our client’s needs. We have some weird and wonderful requests and every day is a challenge.
What piece of advice would you give for people looking to join the events industry?
It’s not a Monday to Friday, 9-5 job but if you like unsociable hours go for it. It will open your eyes. It was an industry where I thought you had to know someone to get your foot in the door, but it turns out you don’t. There are always going to be events happening, which is why the industry will never die out, so if you work hard and impress the right people, you will have a job for life.
How does working for Gallowglass differ from previous employments?
I have been lucky enough to work in places such as Jordan, Oman and Morocco thanks to Gallowglass and these are places I didn’t think I would ever visit (mainly due to my Scottish skin). But having the chance to work in so many iconic places and getting to be a part of numerous fantastic events and projects is not something I could have done anywhere or with anyone else. I spent 11 years working in the same venue every day, but with Gallowglass, every day is an entirely different venue.
Why is the events industry different from ones you have worked in recently?
It’s not that different, to be honest. I have always been involved in events, but I guess it’s the volume of work, different aspects and various people involved that was difficult to get my head around in the beginning.
Tell us the funniest story you’ve experienced during your time at Gallowglass?
There are too many to choose from, and a lot of them should probably never be spoken of again so I will swerve this question.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I have recently become a father, so my time is currently spent changing nappies and trying to get as much sleep as humanly possible. I am unfortunately a QPR fan and a former season ticket holder, so a lot of the time I am miserable. I’m a huge music fan and have had the pleasure of attending gigs for bands like Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age and Biffy Clyro; the list is endless.
If you could only have one, what would your desert island disc be?
An extremely shiny one so I could call for help!
If you’re excited by the prospect of working in numerous venues across the world, or would like to be responsible for crewing at some of the UK’s most prestigious events, why not fill out an application form? We have crews based across the UK, meaning there are plenty of event crew jobs in Liverpool, Manchester or London up for grabs. You can also check out our blog to see which skills can be transferred into a career with us at Gallowglass!
