What’s in a number? Robert Clarke and Tony Fucile are celebrating their 30-year work anniversaries with Paynter Dixon. What’s more, both men are long-serving Business Development Managers (BDMs) in our Hospitality division. We pressed them for memories and insights before Tony embarks on retirement.

What led you to Paynter Dixon?

Tony: At the time I was a registered builder working for a construction company on town houses. I was tired of this work and saw a newspaper advertisement for Project Coordinator with Paynter Dixon. At my interview in the Ashfield office, Garry Boyd (then Chairman) popped in and asked if anyone had made me a coffee! I wanted to work for this impressive man.

I think my previous studies in architecture and drafting also appealed to our design team because I could hold a pencil.

Robert: My father was a carpenter who worked on the construction of Flemington Markets. I had qualifications in architectural drafting and interior design. Like Tony, I applied to a Project Coordinator role advertised in the newspaper. I enjoyed working in the city, so initially refused the job offer in the Ashfield office!

Greg Howard (long-serving Head of Design) persisted with me, emphasising the opportunities for career development. Out of frustration I said yes! It was the best decision.

What’s the role of a BDM?

Robert: BDMs embark on a thought process with the client from go to whoa. We are their trusted representative across the duration of project delivery.

Clubs also pose a complex building process which is genuinely exciting. Bars, restaurants, lounges, sports, recreation and so on. It covers just about every aspect of building in some form. You can’t adopt a cookie cutter approach to the work.

I formed a good partnership with Greg Howard who managed a lot of large club clients. He entrusted me with a range of clients over the years, including Mounties, Bankstown Sports Club, Blacktown Workers Club, Pittwater RSL, Smithfield RSL, St Marys Leagues Club, Manly Leagues Club and others. There were a lot of jobs on the go.

Tony, you have become synonymous with regional clubs. How did that come about?  

My first regional client in the 90s was Lithgow Workers Club. In those days I worked closely with Lindsay Verdon who was the NSW Marketing Manager. This led to major renovations of Orange Ex Services Club and Dubbo RSL.

I was then fortunate to meet the then General Manager of Cowra Services Club, Lloyd Garratt, at the Australian Gaming Expo. Through the course of club renovations Lloyd and I became good friends.

Over the years I enjoyed the regular ‘milk run’ of visiting regional and remote clubs, and the work which followed: West Wyalong, Coonamble, Lightning Ridge and elsewhere.

Regional clubs do an enormous amount for their local communities.

Does Paynter Dixon have an exciting future in your opinion?  

Robert: I think the company is in an excellent position. James Boyd (Chairman) has a lot of his father Garry in him.

Garry has a knack with people. He can see someone after 10 years and greet them by name and remember details on a personal level. He makes you feel special, and James has this connection as well. It has always been about the relationship.

We have also forged a strong reputation in other sectors which is important to future proofing the business.

The bottom line?

Tony: I’ve worked here for 30 years, but it hasn’t been 30 years of the same day. The work has been rewarding, and I have strong relationships.

Robert: Just the opportunities that been provided to me over the years, from a ‘draftie’ through to a BDM. I’m not celebrating 30 years as a milestone because every day is a celebration for me. I still love my job.

Interested in joining Paynter Dixon? Learn more about our company and career pathways here.