At Thirst, our managers are the behind-the-scenes heroes that are the backbone of all our events. We’d love for you to get to know them a little better, and learn about some of the things that make their role at Thirst so special.

MAURO ZIEKENOPPASSER

First, let’s hear from our warehouse manager Mauro Ziekenoppasser. Mauro is a helpful person, who’s happy to work smart not hard. Mauro can think on his feet and is happy to go the extra mile and more. If you could describe Mauro as a type of cocktail, it would be a Long Island Iced Tea.

1. What #skills does it take to bring the Thirst experience to life?

Effective vision, Focus, Motivated individuals or team, transparently and respect in the team for each other.

2. What are some of the interesting aspects of your job that people may not know about?

“Every day is different in this position – no day is exactly the same. I’m responsible for the bar, equipment, glassware, vehicles, ice, deco and stock that leave the warehouse, and anything coming in and out of the warehouse.”

3. How important is it for the warehouse to be on top of their game?

“It is very important! The warehouse and the back of the house is the backbone of the company. When we are on our game, the entire operation can run smoothly and effectively.”

4. How does the warehouse and back of house team directly affect the event managers and events themselves?

“The back of house team directly affects event and event managers. For example – if the warehouse forgets to pack bolts for the bars at any event, it could slow down setup time and make the manager look unprofessional. This is just one aspect which could affect the operation – there are many more things to consider during an event”

#Payitforward – Give your advice to someone who is just starting out in their career.

“Learn and share knowledge – try to learn something new each and every day.”

CARRIE SHIMMON

Let’s learn a little more about our manager Carrie Shimmon. Carrie is a hardworking, savvy lady with a passion for perfection and an eye for detail. Carrie always goes the extra mile to stay ahead of a male-driven industry. If there was one cocktail that would describe her, it would be our Tropical Butterfly. Below, Carrie answers some of our questions about what it is really like to be a manager at Thirst:

1. What are some things you’ve learnt along your journey with Thirst?

“Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.”

2. Are there any Thirsty experiences that particularly stick out for you?

“The set-up days – there is a hustle and bustle, and comradery in the warehouse. This is the time when everyone pulls together to see the event go off without a hitch.”

3. What are some of the interesting aspects of your job that people may not know about?

“When you are a manager, you really have the weight of an event on your shoulders. Even though it is mainly behind the scenes if one item is missed it could cause a whole event to spiral.”

#Payitforward – Give your advice to someone who is just starting out in their career.

“Be fearless and never be afraid to fail.”

CHANTEL BARNARD

Now we can get to know a bit more about our manager Chantel Barnard. Chantel is always there to lend a helping hand or a caring ear. Chantel does everything it takes to bring the clients dreams to life at all times! If Chantel could be described as a cocktail, it would be the Gin Basil Smash.

What #skills does it take to bring the Thirst experience to life?
“It takes a whole lot of patience, planning and dedication”

Are there any Thirsty experiences that particularly stick out for you?
“I would say that some of the events that stand out are the DSTV Delicious Festival and Corona Sunsets Festival– there is so much hard work and planning behind the scenes of these events”

What are some of the interesting aspects of your job that people may not know about?
“There is a lot of teamwork that goes into the setup of events, from the prepping before the events and the set-up, to the aspects that come after the events.”

What type of person would you recommend joins the Thirst lifestyle?
“I think it takes someone that is a strong-willed and extremely dedicated person.”

#Payitforward – Give your advice to someone who is just starting out in their career.

“Learn from your mistakes – it’s how you grow.”