Dale’s dream role is a way of life ‘not just a job’

Having decided to leave the pub industry to try a new career, Dale Ballard soon chose to return to life behind the bar and found his ‘dream job’ managing The Emporium pub in Fleet.

“It’s not every day that you get a phone call to tell you your perfect job has become available,” said Dale, as he described his journey to becoming manager at the pub he loves.

“But that was exactly what Greene King was able to offer when I decided my brief stint as an estate agent wasn’t for me,” he added.

“I fell into working in pubs by accident when I was 16 and worked part-time in a kitchen. I stayed in the industry and worked my way up. But when I thought I should have a go at something different, I soon discovered that what I call a ‘real’ job wasn’t for me.”

Now Dale, 27, is urging others to get to grips with the licensed trade as part of a recruitment drive by his employer Greene King.

The leading pub chain is on the hunt for enthusiastic and hard working people, with a passion for customer service, to become high quality pub managers and follow in Dale’s footsteps.

Dale was more than familiar with The Emporium before he was appointed manager in 2008, as he had previously worked in the high street pub as a kitchen assistant when he left school in 1999.

“I only intended to do it as a way of earning some money before I went to college,” said Dale. “But I stayed on when I was offered training and I worked my way up to running the kitchen and started work behind the bar when I was 18-years-old. I even got as far as becoming assistant manager before I decided that maybe I should try something else.”

After ruling out his new life as an estate agent and realising he had already discovered his true career calling, Dale got back in touch with his previous area manager to see what positions were available.

Knowing Dale’s ambition and potential Greene King were delighted to welcome him back. The company sent him on a pub management training session before appointing him manager at the Marlborough Head in Farnham.

“I really enjoyed the six-months I stayed in Farnham,” said Dale. “But knowing how much I had loved working at The Emporium, when it appeared on the vacancy listings my area manager was able to tell me my dream job had come up.”

When he returned to Fleet, Dale had lots of ideas based on his previous knowledge and experience. Greene King supported his drive and invested in a refurbishment of the pub which, along with Dale’s business sense and management of events including theme nights and student nights, has helped the pub to achieve growth year on year.

“The Emporium is at the centre of Fleet’s nightlife,” said Dale. “We work to provide a party atmosphere as it is a young person’s pub. There are not many high street pubs where you can say you get the same faces in each weekend. But we do, and you know you have created something good when people keep coming back and even your staff chose to come in on their nights off.”

Greene King’s management roles provide serious career opportunities for those with the dedication to succeed in a fun but demanding business. The pub operator has organised recruitment days for people to find out more about becoming pub managers, the training available and the chance to speak to existing managers like Dale about their experiences.

“Every day is different, said Dale. “If you’ve got a flair customer service and ambition then you will make it pay off. It’s certainly more involved than just sitting in an office, but its also far more rewarding. It’s a real buzz to see over 200 people turn up to an event which you have worked hard to organise, and when they thank you for a great night as they are leaving.”

“I always say it is what you make of it,” added Dale. “It’s is a way of life, not just a job.”