Russ Meyers has to be one of the most passionate and hardest working individuals in the region's hotel industry.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
His hospitality journey started at the Collingullie Crossroads Hotel in 1980.
For nearly four decades Mr Meyers has managed various hotels locally, as well as leaving the industry for career changes, however he has always made his way back to the pub.
Now, the 70-year-old said it is time to hang up his work boots for the final time where it all began.
"I've promised myself this time and that's it," Mr Meyers said.
"I've totally loved it and I've has some great highlights: the drought appeal at The Shanty Hotel in 1994 and the changes we made at the Duke of Kent Hotel.
"All the good times I've had are endless ... I wish I was 20 years younger and I'd do it all again."
From the 'Gullie', Rules Club and The Rock hotel, to the Shanty Hotel, Duke of Kent, the Red Steer then, construction for five years, Mr Meyers returned to the Crossroads Hotel and has seen it all.
"It was at the Duke, I suppose, where I had my best stint ever," he said.
"It was also where a lot of changes came into the industry; I voted for the first ever lockout in Wagga and a lot of people condemned me for that.
"But, I knew that if we had good entertainment, people would get in there early ... two months down the track, we were locking our doors about 11pm."
Mr Meyers said other challenges during his time have been stricter penalties with random-breath-testing, the prolonged drought and also Responsible Service of Alcohol restrictions.
However, he said young people's determination to work hard is the "biggest" thing that is holding the industry back.
"Young people aren't prepared to do the hours that you need to do," Mr Meyers said.
"I'm still doing 80 to 90 hours a week and I'm 70 years old.
"They've got to be prepared to work; if you work hard in this industry, the rewards are there."
Giving the Wobbly Boots' first ever gig in 1994 has also been one of Mr Meyers' greatest achievements.
"We called for any bands who'd like to give their time for charity ... we put on this monster gala day and raised $16,000 in the beer garden in one day," he said.
"It was that day, that Wobbly Boot, the boys from Wagga, turned up and asked if they could play and they did and have become one of Wagga's best."
Mr Meyers' final day is on November 10 and he is celebrating the end of his hotel career alongside Wobbly Boot who are celebrating their 25th anniversary.
"We've had a great association, they've played at every hotel I've had along the way," he said.
"I'm turning 71 years old the day after we get out and I've worked since I was 14.
"I just want to travel with my partner ... I've got grand-kids up at Coffs Harbour, so the priority this year is to get up and visit them ... then, full-time retirement."