This month in our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we catch a glimpse into the life of Antony Cook, Head of Business and Marketing here at Gallowglass. By forging and developing key client relationships, Antony plays a vital role in expanding our business. He pursues exciting opportunities for event crew jobs in Bristol, London and just about everywhere else in the UK. His success in winning business ensures the expansion of our ever-growing team. Discover more about him below:
Could you tell us a bit more about yourself?
I started my working life in the creative industry, firstly as a graphic designer, then as an illustrator and lastly, before joining Gallowglass, a portrait painter. Quite a leap to join an event crewing company, so let me explain. I was working a lot at home and getting under my wife’s feet, she also works in the studio at home as a set designer/prop maker, so one of us had to find a proper job. One of her colleagues has worked at Gallowglass one summer, so she suggested I give it a go!
How long have you been a member of the Gallowglass team?
Like most people in the office I started on the crew and have now been here for almost seven years and no sign of an itch.
On a typical day, what would your role entail?
There is no such thing as a typical day, it is varied, and it’s sometimes long. I could be involved in a sales strategy meeting, seeing existing clients to discuss regular ongoing projects, or new clients with a strange one-off request. Even donning the ‘blues’ to help out on a shift; sometimes you have to get your hands dirty.
What do you love most about your job?
The diversity; as I said there is no such thing as a typical day.
Have you always wanted to work in the events industry?
No, but I was always a fan of attending events.
What has been the most memorable event you have attended while working with Gallowglass?
I know it’s a little clichéd, but it’s got to be the Olympics in London 2012. The chaos and full-on workloads were crazy. When you are wrapped up in the build-up to such an event you forget how incredible it is, but the moment I walked through the Olympic Park and into the Opening Ceremony rehearsal I knew it was going to be a once in a lifetime event.
Have you learnt anything new during your time working in the events industry?
Probably to be a little more patient; we all react differently to stress, be it a crewman, office staff or production team.
If there is one piece of advice you could give to someone aspiring to a career at Gallowglass, what would it be?
Embrace the bedlam; you have to change your mindset, this is not a 9-5 job. Once you understand that, and, to be fair, the early mornings/late nights can be tough, you understand that you are an integral part of some amazing events.
Is there anything specific you would like to know about Antony or any other members of the Gallowglass team? Get in touch via our social media channels today to share your questions. Alternatively, if you’re considering a career in events, visit our blog now to discover the jobs and services we offer!
You may also be interested in reading:
Meet the Team: Interview with Elite Crewman, Demetrios Christodoulou
UK Named Second-Best Location in the World for Meetings and Events
