*John Gavin.
John Gavin is co-owner of the four-star Shannon Springs Hotel. Ahead of the Clare Business Excellence Awards, we speak to him about life and business.
Where are you from?
A Village called Rochfortbridge in Westmeath, Mullingar would be my hometown
Tell me about your business?
Shannon Springs Hotel is a 71-bedroom property with a very busy ground floor for food a beverages. We have up on 85 staff employed at the moment and business is very good.
Is there anything that might surprise readers about Shannon Springs Hotel?
When we purchased the property it was a 2-star hotel, it’s now a 4-star and multi-award winner. Our design is very quirky, contemporary and eclectic and not traditional airport hotel-style property so we’re very proud of our hotel.
What was your first job and what age were you?
In The Greville Arms Hotel in Mullingar at 16 years of age
What are your strongest memories of that?
That’s where I got my flair for the hospitality industry, that’s probably why I ended up going to Shannon College to do Hotel Management
Most unusual job you ever had?
On the building sites doing dry-lining, I was a labourer for a summer
If you could have chosen a different career path, what would it be?
I actually did start out in Trinity College in Dublin, I wanted to be a lecturer before I left that to go to Shannon. Other than that, a lawyer is something I would have an interest in
Is there anybody in business that has inspired you?
I had a mentor early on, Frankie Whelahan who owned Choice Hotels
What has been the most challenging thing you’ve encountered in business?
Covid and the whole industry closing… that and the recession
If you could start again, is there anything you would do differently?
I don’t think so. We’ve been very lucky in the hotel, we’ve put in an awful lot of hard work into getting the product to where it is right now, we have a great team around us and we’re in a strong position.
Can you give advice to anybody considering going into business?
Well, the hospitality industry, yes. It’s hard work but the hard work pays off and it’s a very good industry to be part of.
What is your favourite book?
The Hobbit
What is your favourite film?
Shawshank Redemption
What was the first CD / tape / record your purchased?
The Fine Young Cannibals
Who is your sporting hero?
John Barnes
What was your favourite holiday?
This year, I went with my family to France
Three things you’d bring to a desert island?
My phone, my wife and water
