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Who’s Who at Complete Function Hire – Caitlin Stafford, Kitchen Crew

At Complete Function Hire, we enjoy working with Melbourne’s best event planners, venues and event stylists to help create amazing events.

We continue to work with the best in the biz because we take extra great care of our hire products. Our hardworking Kitchen Crew is responsible for cleaning and polishing our party hire products to perfection!

On this month’s “Who’s Who at Complete Function Hire” we chat to one of our awesome Kitchen Crew team members, Caitlin Stafford. When she is not working hard in our Kitchen to get our hire products looking immaculate, Caitlin is studying to be a nurse and loves to play video games.

How long have you been involved in the wedding and events industry?

I have been working for Complete Function Hire for about 3 and a half years.

What prompted you to start working at Complete Function Hire?

My uncle got me the job to help me get through university (and to help pay for my shopping habits!).

Caitlin and our Kitchen Crew work tirelessly to ensure all of our hire products are immaculate for each and every event.

Most memorable event or wedding you have worked on at Complete Function Hire and why?

Probably all of them! We are always too busy behind the scenes in the kitchen to see the amazing set ups that the Road Crew do.

What do you enjoy best about working at Complete Function Hire?

I love that everyone is a big family. We all work hard and it’s a really friendly environment.

Favourite hobbies and past times?

Playing video games and shopping.

Favourite food and drink?

Vegan burrito from Trippy Taco in Fitzroy and Rekorderlig cider.

Who do you barrack for in the AFL (or other favourite sport) and why?

I go for the Bulldogs because they won last year and Richmond because they won this year!

Speak to the team of event experts at Complete Function Hire about your upcoming event today.

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Who’s Who at Complete Function Hire – Andrew de Vos, Road Staff

With Melbourne event season in full swing, we rely on our hardworking team to maintain our (always) high levels of customer service when we go from busy to really busy in October. Our conscientious team includes 15 Complete Function Hire Road Staff. These guys are the glue that holds our operation together over event season with their tireless efforts to ensure our hire products are delivered, bumped in and set up on time, every time. And with a smile! Our Road Staff make sure our furniture and equipment are in top condition and that our busy warehouse is running like clockwork.

Andrew is part of our hardworking Road Staff team.

Meet Andrew de Vos. Andrew plays an integral role at Complete Function Hire as part of our awesome Road Staff. Pizza fan, beer lover and fanatical Essendon Supporter, Andrew is a meticulous member of our team that loves providing the best possible customer service to our clients and event partners.

How long have you been involved in the events industry?

Just over a year.

What prompted you to start working at Complete Function Hire?

I joined Complete Function Hire because I believed the event industry would be interesting and I could utilise my background in customer service and hospitality.

First Complete Function Hire gig?

My first job was a corporate dinner at Munich Brauhaus.

Andrew and the Complete Function Hire team love working on weddings and events at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens.

Most memorable event or wedding you have worked on at Complete Function Hire and why?

We’ve done a few weddings in the Royal Botanic Gardens. I always enjoy delivering and setting up there as there are so many amazing locations throughout the Gardens – it’s hard to top!

What do you enjoy best about working at Complete Function Hire?

The variety of function venues we go to always keeps the job interesting. We are able to go to places that we wouldn’t normally have access to and see amazing spaces and events – there’s never a dull moment.

Favourite hobbies and past times?

I am a huge basketball fan (and horrible basketball player!). I also enjoy drawing and painting and anything creative.

Who do you barrack for in the AFL (or other favourite sport) and why?

The mighty Bombers!! It runs in the family. It’s been great to work so closely with Essendon Football Club this year as we (Complete Function Hire) are event support partners of the club.

Contact the team of service driven event professionals at Complete Function Hire today about your upcoming wedding or event. 

 

 

 

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Who’s Who at Complete Function Hire – Andrew Foulstone, Director

Furniture Hire Melbourne

Complete Function Hire has been delivering amazing events across Victoria for the last 17 years.

Our busy operation was founded by our fearless leaders Steve Withers and Andrew Foulstone – both of whom are heavily involved in the business today.

On this month’s Who’s Who at Complete Function Hire, we chat to our Director Andrew Foulstone to find out why he founded Complete Function Hire and to see what makes him tick. Mad Essendon supporter, published novelist and passionate event industry expert – it is Andrew’s role to ensure that we to continue to provide Melbourne’s best event hire service to our valued clients and event partners.

Furniture Hire MelbourneHow long have you been involved in the events industry?

20 years.

What prompted you to start Complete Function Hire?

I worked for another Melbourne hire company and I was told from the clients I dealt with that if I wasn’t there they wouldn’t use said hire company. I heard this enough times and thought, well why not start my own hire company? Steve was also hearing the same thing from his clients and we decided to get together and start Complete Function Hire and the rest is history.

First gig?

From small beginnings, our first job was a small cocktail party at a private residence in which we supplied glasses. We were so excited we sent the client a bunch of flowers to thank them for our first job.

Equipment Hire Melbourne
Andrew loves his footy and is a proud Essendon supporter.

Most memorable event you have worked on at Complete Function Hire?

The most memorable event was an outside broadcast/promotion for Triple M radio who were having a contest called ‘Buried alive for Live’. A contestant had to spend all day in a coffin to win tickets the Live concert. We set up a broadcast stage and marquee on Southbank and then had to create a pop-up graveyard for the audience to watch the contestant. We had to source a coffin, build a stage with a clear front and hole in the middle to lower the coffin down ‘underground’ to replicate the act of burying him alive. After weeks of preparation and sourcing it went off without a hitch. Steve and I even got to play the part of the funeral workers lowering the coffin under the stage.

What do you enjoy most about working at Complete Function Hire?

Without a doubt, it would have to be the people. Staff and clients alike are what make this place special. We work hard and have a lot of fun doing it. I can’t remember that last time I came into work and didn’t have a least one good laugh.

Favourite hobbies and past times?

I love reading and writing. Time for some shameless cross promotion. In my spare time over the last few years I have written and published a seven book fantasy series. Here is my website and facebook page. Check it out!

http://sevenstonesofpower.com/

https://www.facebook.com/7stonesofpower/

 

Who do you barrack for in the AFL (and other sports) and why?

Furniture Hire
Andrew is a die-hard Essendon Fan and Complete Function Hire are proud event partners of the club.

Can there be any doubt I am a die-hard Essendon man?! Great to see the team bounce back and make the finals after a very tough few years and we are proud corporate sponsors of the club. I also follow the San Francisco 49ers in NFL, been following them since the Montana/Rice days of the 80s. Cricket is another one, looking forward to a great Ashes series this year. Hopefully we can send the ‘poms’ packing this year.

For all of your event hire needs, speak to the team of customer service driven event experts at Complete Function Hire today.

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Who’s Who at Complete Function Hire – Brent Stafford, Team Leader

On this month’s Who’s Who at Complete Function Hire, we chat to our diligent Team Leader, Brent Stafford. Brent makes sure our busy warehouse runs like a well-oiled machine and that every job we do at Complete Function Hire (no matter how big or small) gets executed with precision and performed with a smile.

When he is not working hard at Complete Function Hire delivering amazing events, he enjoys gaming, hockey and playing his guitar. Find out what it’s like to be part of the Complete Function Hire team and what makes Brent tick on this week’s blog.

How long have you been involved in the wedding and events industry?

Ever since leaving High School 4 years ago.

First gig?

My first event with Complete Function Hire was an exhibition set up at Jeff’s Shed.

Most memorable event you have worked on at Complete Function Hire and why?

Probably a sit down at Crown Palladium for 800 guests. We got to see the dress rehearsal of the show as we were bumping in and the atmosphere in the lead up to such a big event at such a huge venue was really exciting.

What do you enjoy best about working at Complete Function Hire?

I enjoy the opportunity to be “paid to keep fit”! It’s very enjoyable work and it’s always something different every day which makes it fun. We also get to see some amazing places and people that you ordinarily wouldn’t.

Favourite hobbies and past times?

Guitar, Hockey and gaming

Favourite food?

Pizza

Favourite AFL or sports team?

Carlton is my team, I have followed them since I was a kid when my dad introduced me to footy.

If you want to work with an event supplier that is committed to making every event outstanding, contact the team at Complete Function Hire today.
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Who’s Who at Complete Function Hire – Cam Munro, General Manager

The team at Complete Function Hire are a bunch of experienced and passionate event industry professionals. Led by our fearless General Manager Cam Munro, we are all about going that extra mile for our clients and event partners!

On this month’s Who’s Who, we spoke to Cam about what it’s like to work at Complete Function Hire and to find out what makes him tick. When he is not managing our busy operation, he is kicking back with family and friends over a nice Shiraz or jumping in the car with the camping gear to see where the road takes him.

Cam Munro, General Manager, has enjoyed working with Complete Function Hire for the last 10 years.

How long have you been involved in the wedding and events industry?

I have been around the traps for 20 years in one way or another, that’s a scary realisation! I have been working for Complete Function Hire for 10 years. I was recommended by some friends in the industry who had worked with Complete Function Hire – they told me to give the boys a call as it was a great place to work.

First gig?

My first gig at Complete Function Hire was an audiovisual setup for a corporate client in South Melbourne. I still enjoy doing a bit of tech work when I can get away from driving the desk!

Most memorable event you have worked on at Complete Function Hire and why?

Over the last 10 years, I have been really lucky to be a part of so many amazing events here in Melbourne. One of the recent stand outs is this weekend’s huge event for 850 guests at the Royal Exhibition Building for the Australian Republican Movement 2017 Gala Dinner. We are providing equipment and furniture hire for this big event and it’s all hands on deck for a mammoth bump out!

events, weddings, hire
The Complete Function Hire team are committed to providing the best event hire products and customer service to our wedding and event clients.

What do you enjoy best about working at Complete Function Hire?

The best part about working at Complete Function Hire is the people – clients and staff alike. We work with some very talented people and have been a part so many amazing events and special occasions over the years.

It has been great to see people succeed and watch the businesses grow from strength to strength. I get to meet new people all the time which I really enjoy and no day is the same.

Favourite AFL or sports team?

I’m born and bred in Hawthorn so am a keen supporter of the Hawks. It has been so exciting to partner with the Essendon Football Club this year and be a part of their return to success! I’m also a recent convert to Super Rugby due to our partnership with the Melbourne Rebels – it has been a real pleasure to work with the team there and cheers to a bigger and better 2018!

If you want to work with an event supplier that is committed to making every event outstanding, contact the team at Complete Function Hire today.

 

 

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Who’s Who at Complete Function Hire – Nathan Purcell

The team of event professionals at Complete Function Hire love what we do! One thing we all have in common (aside from enjoying a game of footy and a cold beer), is that we all love to provide the best possible customer service to our Melbourne wedding and events clients and event partners.

On this month’s Who’s Who at Complete Function Hire, we chat to longstanding Complete Function Hire staff member and ‘Director of Advanced Management Operations’, Nathan Purcell. Nathan had a laugh with his title but in reality, the work that our Nathan does behind the scenes coupled with his willingness to bend over backwards to service our clients, makes Nathan a key player in the team. Health fanatic, avid Demons fan and all round great bloke, Nathan has been a vital part of the Complete Function Hire team for over 15 years.

nathan2

How long have you been involved in the wedding and events industry?

I started my career in events 15 years ago. I was visiting a cousin who worked with Complete Function Hire back in 2001 and I think I asked if I could come in and help out – the rest is history! I have been here ever since.

Most memorable event you have worked on at Complete Function Hire and why?

The most memorable event was the Essendon vs Melbourne AFL Event we were proud to be a part of last month. It was inspirational to meet and chat to Neil and Terry Daniher during the game. Since then, I have been inspired to start running again and have since entered cure fight MND fun run on the 30th July and I have also registered to be a cure MND volunteer.

Events, Furniture Hire, Melbourne Events, Hire, Party Hire

What do you enjoy best about working at Complete Function Hire?

The people I’ve worked with over the last 15 years – both the Complete Function Hire team and our clients – make it a wonderful place to work.  I have made long lasting friends here at Complete Function Hire – it’s great to work with great people in an industry where no day is the same. There’s never a dull moment!

Favourite hobbies and past times?

I enjoy running three times a week and going to the gym 5 or 6 times a week. Golf, Cycling and fishing are also favourite past times (depending on the weather).

Favourite food and drink?

I used to enjoy a cold beer and Thai food but now I am all about the protein shakes and chicken which is boring but part of my health kick.

Who do you barrack for in the footy?

Melbourne in AFL and Rebels in the Rugby.

For all your event hire needs, speak to the passionate team at Complete Function Hire today, we would love to help with your upcoming event.

 

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Who’s Who at Complete Function Hire – Jess Kearney, Kitchen Crew

Events, Kitchen, Kitchen Equipment, Complete Function Hire

Delivering amazing events is a team effort. Everything needs to be just perfect! A lot goes on behind the scenes at Complete Function Hire to ensure that our hire products and service delivery is on point so that we can make event and wedding planning stress free for our clients.

Our busy operation relies heavily on the awesome team of people that we work with. From logistics to customer service, to the team of perfectionists in our Kitchen Crew, everything needs to be just so.

Meet Jessica Kearney, one of our team of five hard working staff in the Complete Function Hire kitchen crew. Saints supporter and avid Tupperware collector, when she is not working hard in our kitchen to ensure our products are flawless, Jess loves spending time with her kids and playing Bingo. This is Jess’s first job in the events industry and what she loves most about working at Complete Function Hire is the great culture and team spirit.

Glassware, glassware hire, party hire
Our kitchen crew ensure our glassware and hire products are always immaculate.

Jess works with our kitchen crew where a typical day is made up of immaculately cleaning and polishing and meticulously wrapping, counting and packing our hire products (such as cutlery, crockery, glassware and catering equipment). Jess and the kitchen crew work hard to ensure that Complete Function Hire’s products are impeccable and ready for delivery to beautiful weddings and stunning event locations all over Melbourne.

Contact the team of service driven event professionals at Complete Function Hire today to discuss how we can assist with your upcoming wedding or event. 

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Who’s Who at Complete Function Hire – Jamie Staton, Business Development Manager

Complete Function Hire, Events, Melbourne Events, Hire

The team at Complete Function Hire genuinely love being involved in Melbourne’s wedding and events industries. Our team of event industry professionals use their experience and personalised approach to ensure Complete Function Hire’s event partners and clients have the best possible event experiences – to us, it is all about customer service.

On this month’s Who’s Who at Complete Function Hire, we get to know our hardworking Business Development Manager, Jamie Staton. Family man, Essendon supporter and long standing hospitality and events industry extraordinaire, it is Jamie’s role to work closely with our event partners and clients to ensure events are delivered seamlessly every time.  

Jamie’s experience in hospitality and events has been vast. For over 20 years, Jamie has worked with Melbourne’s largest catering companies, venues, hotels, special events and events businesses in various roles which encompassed everything from back of house, to managing huge major events for Melbourne’s caterers to managing large event and operations teams. It is Jamie’s extensive operational experience in hospitality, weddings and events that means he can always provide the best solutions for our clients.  

How long have you been involved in the wedding and events industry?

I have been involved in the industry since 1994 – my first gig was with Peter Rowland Catering as a kitchen hand. I remember my first gig well – a huge event at the National Gallery of Victoria with Peter Rowland Catering – it was an exciting and nerve racking experience being part of such a huge event at such an iconic Melbourne venue.

My first shift at Complete Function Hire was also memorable (and massive!). In July 2012, I had my first shift and was lucky to work alongside Matt Slingo – we worked hard that day, bumping in furniture and equipment all over Melbourne (around 10 different venues!). We all love working hard at Complete Function Hire and my first day definitely set the standard.

Most memorable event you have worked on at Complete Function Hire and why?

That is a tough question as I have been a part of so many different types of events over the years. One that really stands out was Le Tout Melbourne. Le Tout Melbourne was an amazing event showcase at Hisense Arena in August this year – I loved working closely with the venue and group of event suppliers to put this amazing event together.  It was wonderful to also attend the event which was Circus themed – the food, entertainment and venue were all mind blowing and everyone involved had such a great event experience.

Events, Melbourne events, event hire, hire
Le Tout Melbourne at Hisense Arena was one of Jamie’s most memorable events.

Most fabulous place you have delivered furniture or event equipment to whilst working at Complete Function Hire?

We have definitely had our fair share of celebrity citing’s and glamourous events. Shane Warne’s mansion in Toorak was amazing (Liz Hurley was there!) and another that stands out for me (as a Bomber fan) was dropping off furniture to James Hird’s house. 

What do you enjoy best about working at Complete Function Hire?

I love being part of the Complete Function Hire team as it is a family environment of likeminded people.  We all work closely together and our main objective is to provide the best service for our clients.  We work hard but also know how to have a laugh together!

When you are not working hard at Complete Function Hire, what are your favourite hobbies?

Spending time with family and friends.

Watching the footy and going to the footy with the kids.

Having a round of golf, a cold beer and a nice meal.

If you need help planning your next event – speak to Jamie and the team of event professionals at Complete Function Hire today.

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Who’s Who at Complete Function Hire:

Nic Lema, Builder & All-rounder

niclemasmallWe pride ourselves on our personal approach and this is all thanks to the team of legends we work with – The Complete Function Hire Team. This month we took five minutes out to chat with Complete Function Hire ‘All Rounder’, builder of our hair pin and paddle furniture ranges and all round great bloke, Nic Lema. When he is not rocking out to Pantera, he is working hard with the team to ensure our furniture gets built to the highest standards and that events run smoothly each and every time.

How long have you been involved in the wedding and events industry?

6.5 years

First gig?

Hawthorn Football Club Breakfast at Rod Laver Arena in 2009

What is the craziest thing that has every happened whilst working on a wedding or event and what did you do to resolve it?

Whilst setting up a live digital TV service on a plasma TV at the Melbourne Supper Club for OAKS day in 2013, I couldn’t get a good enough signal from the 6 metre aerial and the big race was about to start! All eyes were on me to fix it before the jump. I liked to think I resolved what could have been a huge issue by remaining cool, calm and collected. From doing so many AV jobs, I know it’s always best to pack a laptop to test our screens and I was able to get a live feed via the internet. All sorted and all in time for the race!

Weirdest place you have ever dropped off furniture or equipment for an event?

Not a weird place but a very last minute event in a far away place! We got a call just before Valentine’s Day 2014 from the Sydney Mayor’s office needing our paddle furniture for a special Chinese New Year event.  I loaded up a 3 tonne truck the next morning and drove straight to Sydney.  I drove up on the Friday and dropped the Complete Function Hire truck at the event site and after a short nap, I was back in the morning to set up and then back again at midnight to bump out before returning back to Melbourne. The team here love to be able to accommodate last minute requests for special events and it was thrilling to be able to deliver!

What do you enjoy best about working at Complete Function Hire?

The variety of work – we work on so many different events from intimate wedding ceremonies to huge major events – there’s something different every day.

I also love the relaxed environment and working outdoors with such a great team.

For info on the hair pin and paddle ranges that our Nic builds, click here.

Complete Function Hire Melbourne Furniture Hire for Function and Events
Nic builds our Hair Pin and Paddle Ranges that are popular for weddings and events.