Peter Smith's Interesting Life So Far
.jpg)
Peter Smith, Rugby World Cup Project Manager, gave us an amusing and insightful glimpse into his interesting journey so far.
He began by sharing his father’s advice when he was first asked to speak at a Rotary event: “Get in and get out”. Luckily for us he chose not to follow that tonight.
Peter remembers that after spending 13 years at St Andrews his father suggested it was time for him to consider getting a job. He ruled out going to University but did have an interest in drama and public speaking and was obsessed with cars.
However a job it was and, on hearing that Dalgety was looking for a sales person, in he went and met Mr White the Accountant who began by asking him: “Why are you here?” and followed that up by saying they only hire kids from another school.
He eventually followed his father’s advice and went to see Max Busby at LWR and was hired. “On hearing this all Dad wanted to know was what my salary was” he smiled.
LWR had 99 reps and 1700 employees in total and Peter found they were a great company to be with. Three days later he was told they had little time for private school kids but he chose to ignore that and loved being there.
In thinking back he felt their people were hard but fair and described his experiences with them as the “University of Life”.
His first task involved being locked in an office every morning with a copy of the PRESS which he was told to read cover to cover in order to build his understanding of a wide range of topics.
This was followed by his first bit of advice: “Never be late for a meeting” as this means you don’t want the business badly enough.
At 18 years old he was told he was going to go on the road to Kaikoura selling merchandise. Hoping he would get a Holden which he really wanted, he took the keys and walked around the car pool to find to his dismay that they fitted a Ford Anglia.
In due course LWR had a contract with a sports apparel company that he wanted to work with. He approached this challenge by saying: “If I don’t get it I’ll leave.” It came down to two employees and he came 2nd. As a result he chose to leave the company.
For his next job Peter decided to work for the Academy Sports Depot and was rewarded with a Zephyr. He spent 10 years there with a great staff which included Fergie McCormick.
After that stint he was then head hunted by a large Wellington based wholesale sports company who had the foresight to see weekend trading in the near future. The Springbok tour also arrived which was great for the company.
Peter’s next foray was to be a liaison officer for the Tanzanian team attending the Commonwealth Games which he felt was one of the best run events he has ever been part of. When the team arrived they had no gear and he helped outfit them. He fondly remembered one slightly built fellow who went on to win gold.
He also finally got to have a Holden!
In 1990 Peter signed a contract with the Christchurch Football Club. On one occasion he was asked to raise $5 million and came in well ahead with $7.5 million.
His next role was to work for Radio Pacific, a racing station, and he then moved into radio and some TV work. This included commentaries and the running of large events including the trotting cup.
In 1996 Peter was asked if he could take a touring party to South Africa. The biggest challenge he faced during this task was managing the group’s drinking as they were mostly publicans. On his return he didn’t drink for a year.
This work accelerated and to date Peter has been involved with seven rugby world cups. He became well acquainted with Tane Norton and one highlight was joining him for lunch with Princess Anne.
He also remembers on a trip to Ireland when he went to get a drink one Sunday morning and was refused service by the barman as no drinks were sold until midday. The barman then asked him if he would like a drink while he waited.
Peter is currently the Campaign Manager for the upcoming World Cup in Japan. He also undertakes various speaking engagements.
With respect to Rotary, Peter was asked to speak at this year’s RYLA event at College House. He was impressed with the keenness attendees showed in wanting to promote the ideas shared with their clubs.
In closing, Peter gave these words of wisdom:
Don’t be late for an appointment.
Keep your ears open.
Keep communication going as opportunity is everywhere.