SPOTLIGHT ON ROBERT L WESTON
1. Your name, your club and your position.
Robert L Weston, CEO of Hillston Ex-servicemen and Citizens Club
2. What is your biggest or has been your biggest challenge with the club and your role?
On my arrival in 2015 the club was almost closed and the auditors asked the question regarding our ability to continue trading. My response to the auditors consisted of around six pages with my strategic planning intentions satisfying their concerns. My Board of Directors gave me full reign and allowed me to drop the practices they had been applying in the past. By changing the operational habits we also changed the end result. Our club is now trading well and operating as a business rather than a mate’s rates club. We now have six digits of money invested, no long term bills and are carrying out upgrades for member comfort.
3. What has been some of your achievements or highlights since being at the club?
Increasing gross profit margin to an industry based level, poker machine performance is sitting mid-level in the state rankings with only 13 machines on our floor. Restoring member confidence in the club as an icon of the community.
4. Is there a piece of advice or something compelling you have learnt that you can pass on to our readers and up and coming managers.
Networking with other managers within the industry is of extreme importance and a tailor-made strategic plan for your club is critical. Also remember that the strategic plan will not work by its self. You as the manager have to make it work!!
5. Outside of the club and your role there. Do you have any hobbies or passions.. tell us a bit about you?
My main interest outside the club is Vintage and Classic motor cars. I presently have an Austin A/99 Westminster which I believe to be the only one in Australia on club registration and one of 17 globally.
