Writing this book has been a huge endeavour and one that could not have been possible without the support of my family and wider team. It's a representation of my journey through life (so far) and an opportunity to share the insights and experiences I have gleaned from that journey. I would like to shine a light on the many people who have walked this path with me, who have helped me and contributed a chapter of what has become the story of my life. I am grateful to you all.

Firstly, to my wife Fidelma and my children — Holly, Suzie, Dermot, Aidan and Rory — for your ongoing and unconditional love and support. I could not do what I do without your encouragement. You make it all worthwhile. (And to my two beautiful dogs, Dusty and Snoop, for helping me remember that at heart, I am a Hunter.)

To my mum Suzanne, my dad Peter and my siblings (David, Joanne, Phillip and Elizabeth) for the love and support you provided to me growing up, and a big thanks to my eldest brother, Dave, for being my rock and a constant voice of reason and sensibility.

To the Backyard Beer Tender: my childhood buddies, all legends in your own way, and in your own lunchtimes. You're a huge part of my life, then and now, as are your families. Thank you. In no particular order:

• James Boyle
• Daniel Wheeler
• Andrew Stevens
• Stephen Duggan
• Paul Hester
• Ben Taylor
• Neil Coyle
• Jon Farrell
• Gavin Yu
• Grant Lyndon
• Nick Russell
• Simon Loughery
• David Sutton
• Andrew Cairns
• Jane Sandral
• Katie Chad
• Belinda Driver
• Bridie O'Sullivan
• Sharnie Lofgren
• Emma Hales
• Penny Zatmury
• Louise Malone
• Michelle Jeffers
• Libby Ellis
• Lucinda Maloney
• Jane Collins
• Catherine Hamilton
• If I have forgotten anyone, I apologise.

To the Hunt Hospitality International (HHI) team: true champions in every way, for having my back and for your loyalty. You are my extended family. I hope I do as much for you as you have done for me:

• Kris Gladwell
• Jason Archer
• Ricci-lee Wheeler
• Corey Park and Hannah Purdy
• Tony and Cat Jackson
• Corey Baker
• Wendy Berlin
• Terri Jones
• Jeremy Cusack

My chief advisors:

• Cath Antaw
• Andrew Wennerbom
• Alex Thompson
• Simon Rutherford
• Marin Kennedy

To my investors and business partners past and present for your support. In no particular order:

• Brent and Katia Penfold
• Tim Wearne
• Michael Mitrovits
• Annette Pulbrook
• Kathy Richardson
• John Curnow
• Graeme Cunningham
• Gus Gilkison
• Nick Wormald

A special thank you to Greg Maitland for being my valued mentor; what you don't know about putting a deal together isn't worth knowing. Thank you.

To the Bayfield family, especially Wayne. You were great mentors who really taught me the importance of the community/pub relationship.

To the team at Westpac bank, Jeff Hurdis, Michelle Smith and Luba Finch, for being such honest and helpful bankers.

To James Brindley from Lion, Peter Filipovic from CUB, Michael Ritoli and Fred Jones from CUB Special Beverage, the team at LMG, especially Aidan Desmond and Amanda Williams for being such great supporters, the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and in particular John Thorpe (RIP), Scott Leach, John Wheelan, John Green, Sean Morrissey and Phillip Ryan.

To the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, Hunter Business Chamber and the Bar and Nightclub Show Las Vegas for your support.

To all the sporting teams that we support, and who support us:

• The Wildfires (Hunter Rugby)
• The Maitland Blacks Rugby Club
• The Wahroonga Tigers
• The Hornsby Lions
• The Bogan Bulls (Nyngan).

And lastly, to Bernadette Schwerdt, for the time, effort and support you have put into helping bring my business story to life. Over countless conversations, hundreds of emails and thousands of words, you have helped me distil a rollicking and rowdy life into a book that I hope will be of value to many others. From when we first met, I knew you were the right person to help me tell my story, and my trust and instinct has been rewarded. Thank you for guiding me through this journey and for providing me with an outstanding learning experience. This book would not be the success it is without you.

And finally, a sincere and heartfelt thank you to every customer who has walked into one of our pubs. You are the reason we are here.