In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Colin O’Neill, chief executive of Colin Glen, which is home to world class attractions and state of the art sports facilities – from SKYTrek aerial adventures to laser tag, golfing to the Gruffalo Trail.
This summer, Colin Glen will also launch Ireland’s first Alpine Coaster and Ireland’s longest zipline.
What was your first job?
I got my first pay packet aged 10, picking whelks in Ardglass and selling them to Angus Cochrane’s Fish Market. I also worked on a farm, picked potatoes and worked in a shop in Ballyhornan all before the age of 15. I still have the same work ethic now, just less cycling to do!
What qualifications do you have?
I have a degree in sport studies with Diploma in Industrial Studies. I also have a Masters in Marketing and am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. It all looks great on paper, but nothing beats the three ’I’s: industry, ingenuity and integrity.
What do you attribute your success to?
Hard work, having people around me with similar work ethic and lots of luck.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Pushy, determined and loyal to those who share the vision.
Who do you look up to in business?
Anyone who achieves success against the odds.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
I have a great team at Colin Glen who buy into the vision and see that its benefit them as well as the business. It’s important that my team sees me working hard and know we’re all in it together. Everyone has the ability to be exceptional and I try and encourage everyone to exceed expectations.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
It is a very small marketplace. Colin Glen is Ireland’s leading adventure park and we’re launching new world class attractions this summer, so we want to target everyone on this island. Why would we sell to people in Newry but not people in Dundalk?
What website or app could you not do without?
Zoom (unfortunately) and I believe it's here to stay. I look forward to having face-to-face conversations again soon, but for now, that’s where I’ll be.
What was the last book you read?
I’m not reading a book at the minute, I’m writing one. It’s a fiction inspired by Colin Glen itself. Watch this space!
What car do you drive?
In my head I drive a Jaguar F-pace but in reality, I drive a Nissan Qashqai. I suppose it gets me where I need to be!
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I once held three Irish records for indoor rowing for 40-49 year olds, and one still stands!
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Sport. I love athletics, hurling and I coach ladies gaelic football in Aghaderg. I’m also a big Liverpool supporter.
