Pete McKenna - the last 40 years

Occupation/s? Tell us what you have been doing

On Leaving UHS worked in retail, Roelf Voss, Yes with Danny Redman for a while, then Farmers Burnie and became regional manager with that group. Moved to Launceston change of life style and working career. Studied business management for tourism and hospitality then became operational manager of national Hotel Chain. This role gave me the opportunity to work interstate, internationally and in Tasmania. Settled in Hobart 1993 and then still working with in tourism industry. 2001 to current some years on have had two successful businesses which relate to property maintenance and working with age care sector.

What would you tell your 1977 self if you could send them a message now?

Get of your arse, pull your head in, stop smoking and work harder.

What would you like to share about the last 40 years?

I really did not like living in Penguin and UHS was not a lot of fun but managed to survive and moved on. Looking back on it now it wasn't that bad, I supposed being me I was just a confused individual. After faffing about on the coast for some years I moved to Launceston for a few years then work gave me the opportunity to travel, interstate and internationally. Great fun hard work and rewarding on many fronts. Gave the cigs away and some of those other interesting bits that we indulged in, became fit and change my life style. Landed in Hobart 1993 married had my only sibling Lachlan currently at University thinks his cool.. just like his dad... Yeah Right Year 2000 Marriage hit the wall, started a new business venture. 4 Years ago meet up with my now wife Vanessa thanks to my Dad. Vanessa and I "went out together" met at a bloody sock dance back 1978.. 35 years on re united now married. Fairy tail stuff. We run our business together live life, love good food and wine, travel and just have fun.

What are you proudest of about your life? What have been your greatest achievements?

Watching my son been born. Winning the State Final in Soccer. Running a Marathon. Winning national Tourism awards. Marriage to my wife Vanessa while my Dad was still alive. that was very special

Any regrets?

Plenty of these I but don't dwell on those... move on stay, positive...make it happen. If all else fails have a wee dram.