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.
How 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.
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?
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.