MATHEW Oates has the food industry in his heart and his DNA. Born into a catering family, Mr Oates has traversed NSW and beyond in his quest for culinary excellence. In 2009, CNL Catering was born at a modest Brisbane golf club. After a five-year stint at Leeton Soldier’s Club, Mr Oates and his wife Lauren were lured to Wagga last year to become caterers at the Commercial Club and later, the Wagga RSL. Mr Oates spoke to The Daily Advertiser about the rigours of a highly competitive industry and why people, rather than food, was at the centre of his business ethos.
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What was your first job?
From about the age of 10, I’d work with Dad on weekends and at night. It really instilled a good work ethic in me.
What gave you the idea for the business?
My wife and I wanted to start our own company and the opportunity came up. We always aimed to stay within the club industry.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve been given?
There’s a thousand catchphrases I tell staff, many of them around not saying no to customers or opportunity. We should treat customers so they always leave with a good feeling. I see my job as being 30 per cent about food and 70 per cent service. That means staff are our most important commodity. If you look after them, they’ll look after you and that will look after your business.
What are the main challenges facing your business?
Every pub, club and restaurant in Wagga is a competitor. Our biggest challenges are trying to maintain a family atmosphere in a business where our staff have grown from eight to 45. My biggest daily challenge is getting to know everyone and become part of their lives.
How do you balance your work and home life?
We have an 11-month-old so it can be tough. I’m not sure I’m managing it brilliantly at the moment. But I always try and make time for the family. My wife is my 2IC so we’ve got a nanny at home, which helps.
Where do you hope your business will be in 20 years?
Our long-term plan is to continue to improve in the club industry. I can see a bright future with the RSL here in Wagga. It’s a great facility and they’re a remarkable bunch of people. They are so supportive and make the job a lot easier.
