WHO TRAINS AT INDEFENCE – DAN
WHO TRAINS AT INDEFENCE?
During the last 12 years of running our classes, we have had a whole range of people from all different kinds of backgrounds, who work in all kinds of roles and have all sorts of stories to tell, come through our doors to learn self defence skills and tactics.
Over the next few months we will be highlighting some of the people who train with us, their stories and experiences. Enjoy!
NAME
Dan Martinez
WHAT IS YOUR JOB TITLE?
I am a manager at my parents’ café called Barrio Café.
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING IN THIS INDUSTRY?
I’ve been managing Barrio Café for about 3 years now.
Check out their page here: https://m.facebook.com/barrioespresso/
WHAT 3 WORDS DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO?
Make awesome coffee.
WHAT DOES YOUR WORK ENTAIL?
My main roles at Barrio Café are to provide on the job training to new staff, create weekly rosters, as well as, being a cook and qualified barista. In addition to this, I am responsible for ordering ingredients, drinks, and packaging for food, opening and closing the café, and conducting interviews and performance meetings
WHAT IS A TYPICAL WORK WEEK LIKE?
We are typically open 7 days a week, 6:30am to 3pm. We are usually hard at work prepping for the weekend during the week. Although, our weekdays have been getting busier and busier. As all of our food is prepared at the café, we need to stay diligent and make sure we are making enough beef patties, steak, and chicken for our burgers. As well as, making sandwiches and wraps for quick takeaways. This is all while cooking food and making coffees for our customers.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THIS AREA?
My father worked in hospitality his entire life and no longer wanted to work for other people. With the help of my mother, they opened their own café and being able to manage the café took some stress away from my parents.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE/DISLIKE?
As it is a family business, it is possible to spend too much time with family. However, having support with the business at all times is unlike any other job I’ve had.
WHAT IS A COMMON MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
Unlike fast food restaurants, our amazing food and coffees are made to order. We do put a lot of love and care into our products and take pride in this. All of our food is prepared and cooked at the café and is not mass produced or frozen.
DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING STORIES THAT YOU CAN TELL US?
A talent scout visited the café one day and met my father. She was adamant on him being an extra in King Kong: Skull Island. At first, he refused. However, this did not deter her. She visited him again another 10 or so times until dad finally caved in and accepted her offer. Now, dad has appeared in a number of movies as an extra and was a main extra in King Kong: Skull Island, even appearing in the trailer.
