How long have you been in the business? Since ’86 when I started in res at Sunquest.
What’s the best part of the job? The fact that my wife is in the industry too so I get to see her! (Doug’s wife Lori Patterson works with Holland America Cruise Lines.) And building business relationships.
What did you want to be as a kid? A pro tennis player.
What was your first job? Baskin Robbins. I knew every single one of the flavours. Pralines and cream is still my favourite!
What skill or talent do you admire in someone? Musical ability. And I think journalism takes a raw talent.
What’s your favourite airline? That’s a loaded question! Oh, I’ve got it! Bearskin! Because I have contracts with all the others!
What do people not know about you? That my favourite movie is The Sound of Music.
Any hobbies or interests? I’m an avid skier - tennis, golf - all of which I do with my family.
What’s on your iPod? Anything from Van Morrison to AC DC.
What will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the next 12 months? Managing people.
Whom do you most respect in the industry? Vanessa Lee and Guy Young.
If you could sit next to anyone on a long haul flight who would it be? (The South African novelist) Wilbur Smith. Great brain candy.
What book’s on your bedside table? How the Mighty Fall - about business and today’s environment and centering on the customer.
What’s your worst habit? I can procrastinate.
What are you really bad at? Chess.
Who’s the smartest person you know? My wife.
Where’s your next trip? Guernsey, in the Channel Islands.
If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be? The buying patterns, and discounting.
