Steve Collinson – Patagonia

What’s your favourite place on the Northern Beaches?
Tucked in the corner at Barrenjoey sharing a couple of waves with Liam ‘Tawny’ Carroll.

Is there something about you that would surprise people?
Left-footed, right-handed for most activities, left-handed for guitar and pool, Natural footer in the surf. Not ambidextrous, just confused!

What’s something everyone should do at least once?
Drop into Patagonia Manly

It’s Sunday afternoon, where do we find you?
Watching NRL in Footy season, at the beach in Summer

If you were down to your last $50 what would you spend it on?
Straight on to Black on the Roulette Wheel

BUSINESS

How did Patagonia Manly happen? How long have you been operating?
Patagonia Manly was initially a partner store before the company bought back all stores in Australia. The store has operated for 10 years.

Best business experience?
Being a small part in a Purpose-driven company.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Running a charter boat in Indonesia

Best part of your job or most enjoyable part of your job?
I’ve always loved working with the team at work – the no Dickhead policy seems to be working!

Most stressful part of your job?
Hard to be stressed in Manly! Not enough time to sneak out for a surf!

Weirdest thing that has ever happened at work?
A VERY hungover Jason Momoa and his entourage came into the store – thought I was dreaming and was about to get beat down by Khal Drogo.

What’s the best part of working on the Northern Beaches? Why’d you choose to work here?
My 2-minute commute and the ocean and harbour at either end of the street.

PERSONAL

What would you rate 10/10?
A Tooheys off the wood in the Round Bar at the Steyne with Australia towelling up the Poms in the Ashes.

What is the best advice you’ve received?
If you are not 10 minutes early to work, you’re already late!

What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this week?
Xmas Party with the work crew.

Greatest strength?
Can talk underwater with marbles in my mouth.

Greatest weakness?
World’s most rubber arms. Can be talked out for a beer with a minute’s notice.

Does anything scare you?
TikTok/Influencers (Influenzas)

What’s your most treasured possession?
My old man’s watch

What’s your idea of absolute happiness?
Indo, surfed out, knocking back a beer as the sun goes down.

Which two famous people would you choose to be stuck in a lift with?
Nick Cave and Hunter S Thompson

What travel experiences is on your bucket list?
Tassie – never been! Have also never been to Europe so I’m very uncultured…30 odd trips to Indonesia have taken the bulk of my holiday time. I guess I should broaden my horizons!

How do you switch off?
Saunas at Boy Charlton

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Binge watching an entire TV Series

Who’s your personal hero?
Yvon Chouinard – Patagonia’s founder.

If you were an animal, what would you be?
Koala – great sleeping routine

How would you like to be remembered?
I think everyone would like to be remembered as caring and compassionate. I’m still a work in progress!

If we could ask you one more question what would it be and what’s your answer?
Will the mighty Sydney Roosters win the NRL next season? A resounding YES