Stephen Bowtell...newest member to the resuce

Posted 
on Feb 03, 2015
 
 
Our club has the "Member Behind the Badge" series where a new member when once settled in is invited to tell us a bit about him/her self as a way of getting to know each other.
 
Stephen Bowtell who has just been inducted (see the above left fresh photo of him receiving his pin) came to the rescue when a scheduled speaker had to cancel at the last moment.  It was surely a record for him to address us literally following induction!
 
We always expect the usual "Behind the Badge" family/work history, and most times also our members surprise with some hidden background or skill thus providing a wonderful diversity within the club.  Stephen was no exception, indeed his surprise was amazing.
 
Outlining early schooling at the Arts driven Eltham College, and a passion gained for music (guitar) as a young child he described how he has an intrinsic commitment and single-mindedness to strive to master a task or do a job.  So this quality saw him self master the blues guitar (over 10,000 hours development).  Indeed he left school at 16 and toured Australia for many years performing blues guitar with the support of a small band.  This manifest as lead in prelude roles to top headline acts, and his own regular shows at various venues all over Australia. 
 
Contrasting the missed education with the life skills gained (eg management, problem solving) and above all the confidence and experience in doing, Stephen remarked that it provided a great base from which to start another business---alas the music industry pays poorly for all but those one in a million who crack it!
 
To dispel members doubts about his expertise we watched the following clip.
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbJkc3ph8kw

                                                                                             

 

{ Ed: By the way, for the smarty who asked how long it would take to play like that, here is an instructional video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imr6ITCiCsg }

 
Now Stephen has established a significant computer business, repairing and selling lap top computers.  Starting solo from a few a week he has progressed to sales of over 1,000 per month including exports and now manages 14 sales staff.  We wish him well in this, but welcome him to the club and look forward to his involvement in Rotary.
 
Thanks for a great address especially more so because of the last minute stand-in.