Liam Tutty is the founder and General Manager at Dead Centre Brewing  in Athlone.

What is your background/ where did your career start?

My background is in Media and Marketing. I hold a degree in Audio Visual Media and Communications from ITT Dublin.  I worked for 10 years on air in various radio stations including FM104 and Beat 102-103 before moving to a management position in iRadio where I ran their creative services department. After a stint in Australia in 2007/2008, I learned to love craft beer so started to home brew after my return and it grew from there.

My initial plan was to operate a stand-alone brewery in Athlone, but a very quick feasibility study showed that the market simply didn't exist. Instead I decided to pivot and look at a tourist attraction as well as a bar and kitchen on-site.

It's been wild! My background is not in tourism or hospitality so it's been a steep learning curve. I've been able to surround myself with a highly competent staff with backgrounds in exactly the right areas so my progression has been largely personal and influenced by people who have the knowledge that I'm keen to tap into.

No two days are ever the same. I know it sounds cliched, but the diversity of the days really makes it feel like it's not a job at all.

What’s the best part of your job?

Meeting people. Talking to people who share my passion for craft beer and brewing is the highlight of what it is that I do.

How does your job fit with your lifestyle?

At the moment (off season), we open from Wednesday to Sunday. I know it sounds crazy, but going shopping or to the cinema on a Monday/Tuesday where there are no queues or crowds really suits me. I know I love to meet people in work, but in my own time I actually like to keep myself to myself. I love a quite pub for example...and they're never quieter than on a weekday. I also have an 18 month old daughter, being able to spend time with her midweek means our child-care bills are far more manageable.

What skills have you developed in your career in tourism?

My career has always been about creative solutions - about moving fast and making mistakes. I have always said that the wrong decision is better than no decision, because it's a learning opportunity. I've never had to think as quickly as I do in the tourism industry and I think I'm stronger for that. A better problem solver who can find the silver lining more often.

What characteristics do you need to succeed in tourism?

It's not a simple gig - high season can mean long hours and huge crowds. Patience is an aspect that I'm still working on - I'm nowhere near as patient as I should be and it's an essential trait in the industry. People will regularly test your patience and for me it's more about understanding how you can satisfy them rather than starting a personal quest to vindicate yourself or your opinion.

What advice would you offer someone considering joining tourism?

Speak to those already in the industry and value their opinion. I was very likely naive getting into the industry and still love it...just imagine if I had taken the time to educate myself on the landscape.

What are your plans for the future?

Managing people in such a seasonally affected business is a real difficulty and it's something I would really like to become stronger at - I think looking at up-skilling in that area will be essential.

Failte Ireland