15 questions with Dan Davison, Operations Catering Manager

February 2022

Today let’s meet our Operations Catering Manager, Dan Davison. Dan has been working with us since 2017. Before joining the team, Dan was a baker and owned his own coffee shop.

Dan Davison

  1. Why did you choose to work with Neylons?

I see Neylons as a place that respects their workers. They respect their workers whatever position they hold in the company– that’s why I chose to work with Neylons. I started with Neylons working as a cleaner in a shopping centre. I will always remember the first time I met Sylvie Neylon, founder of the company. I was cleaning the toilets. He came in to say hello. It is not something we see every day!

  1. What does a typical day look like as a Catering Manager?

I usually start the day by looking at the budgets, I would get numerous phone calls during the day with varying questions. Site visits would be a part of my day. Two days a week I would be on-site – we have 20 sites at the moment.

  1. What’s the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is the variety – dealing with clients, managers, chefs on the ground. Every day is different – there are very few days that stay the same.

  1. What’s the coolest thing you’re working on right now?

We’ve just taken on the Daycare Pantry in the Hermitage Medical Clinic which is different to anything else we have done so far.

  1. What is your toughest career challenge to date?

My toughest career challenge to date is delegating. I am a bit of a perfectionist. I have learned that sometimes you need to let people help you.

  1. What skill do you think everyone should have?

Cook an egg!

  1. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I’d like to fly a plane.

  1. What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?

I have a dog that wears a coat when she goes for walks.

  1. What is your favourite colour?

Purple. I used to have a purple car and I loved it!

  1. What’s the best meal you ever had?

Steak in a wine bar in Dublin in 1999.

  1. What’s your happy song?

Anything 90s dance music

  1. If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?

A door so I can wind down the window if it gets hot, some food and a good book.

  1. Motto or personal mantra?

Own your mistakes and learn from them.

  1. What is on your bucket list?

More travel! I recently got a passport and would like to use it. Hopefully, covid will let me.

  1. You are happy when…?

Everybody else is happy.