Ed Brea, General Manger of the Shangri-La, The Marina, Cairns. Originally from Hawaii, he has worked in over 10 countries as a foreign national in the Asia / Pacific Region including long stints in Singapore, Taiwan & Hong Kong. He came to Cairns in June 04 during pre-rebranding mode from Radisson to Shangri-La overseeing with his team the physical renovation and spiritual transformation of the hotel over the last 18 months. With the final phase of the project including CHI the Spa, the new Serviced Offices and Banquet & Conference facilities due to be completed mid-year, Ed and his team are looking forward to some quiet enjoyment. A fitness & sports tragic he has made fitness and family the primary focus of his life outside of the hotel. He is joined here in Cairns by his wife Charmain, and his two children Kalani (16), and Tiare (9).

1. In three words – what does Cairns mean to you?
Opportunity – Challenges – Beautiful

2. What was your first ever job?
Newspaper Delivery Boy

3. For people just starting their own business – what are your 3 success
tips?

• Humanity
• Courage
• Vision

5. What do you dislike most about your industry?
I do not dislike anything about the Hospitality industry, but employee turnover sometimes is very frustrating. As such, i try to lead our management team to do everything we can to make ourselves the preferred employer in hospitality.

6. What motivates you most to go to work each day?
Knowing when we all leave at the end of the day our team has made our guest stay experience something special by going the extra mile.

7. If you had an opportunity to change careers for a month – what would
you do?
I wouldn’t.  OK, I would be a Hotel Owners Asset Manager or even better yet - a Consultant!

8. Have you ever had a great idea or innovation that wish you had the
time to pursue?
Everyday I try to put an idea to action or share a new idea so I don’t have to look back and say “I wish I would have done this or that”, For this you have to “make the time” and mentor others to do the same.

9. If you could change one thing about your past, what would it be?
I was ejected from French class in High School and I would really like to be able to speak French. It just sounds so suave, No? Someday I fix this!

10. Tell us something we don't know about you?
I’m really six foot something

11. Who do you aspire to?
My Grandfather went to the United States from Spain when he was 15.  He did this alone and couldn’t speak a word of English. By the time he was 21, he was married, had started a business, and a family, and had sent for his brothers. He didn’t have any grey hair until he was in his sixties. To me, this is just amazing, especially the hair bit.

12. If you could re-live one moment in your life – what would it be?
Wouldn’t say any moments in particular, but let’s just say that as I got older I realized that my father is a very wise man.

13. If you could invite someone famous for dinner (dead or alive) – who
would it be?
“ALI” he stood up and said at a critical time in history what needed to be said on behalf of his people regardless of the personal consequences. He also has a lighter side and like me he is a bit of a wise cracker that people sometimes don’t know when to take seriously or not…it’s an Art…

14. When was your last overseas holiday and where?
Home away from Home - Hawaii

15. What’s your favourite journey?
Our immigration to Australia. In all my travels it was the most exciting time of life, a new beginning in a new country. It was an incredible sense of accomplishment and a great gift to our children.  

16. Your favourite time of day?
Right around 6-7pm

17. Your favourite restaurant for that Friday afternoon lunch?
TIDES BLD & BAR

18. What music or radio station do you listen to in your car?
Pretty much Rock. For the radio, Nay & Coastie in the morning.

19. Your favourite author or book?
“The Fatal Shore” by Robert Shaw.  

20. What will you be doing when you’re 80?
Exercising & Drinking with consistency…

I won’t be working that’s for sure !