Staff Profile - Bruce Connell (General Manager)

When did you start with SALA?

September 19, 2007

What made you want to work with SALA?

A gazillion reasons. Primarily I was looking for a place where I could combine passion with work. Many of my previous roles, while exciting and challenging, did not always connect with my personal ethos. Subsequently, they were more “job” than “career”. I have never wanted to work for a kit home company but have always wanted to work for a company whose goals were aligned more with mine. The SALA commitment to the guardianship of the earth and protection for future generations was really the deciding factor.

What work have you done previously?

In no particular order – barman, journalist, bar-owner, editor, document writer, consultant, project manager, applications engineer, software engineer, technical manager, general manager, relationship manager, salesperson, father.

What is your role in SALA?

I have the pleasure of being the General Manager of SALA Homes. In this role my responsibilities are the continued daily operational efficiency of SALA.

Favourite moment with SALA so far?

There are lots. The biggest moment was before joining SALA when we signed the contract for our house in Tarragindi. That has been consuming our family for some time. Probably the favourite moment was a weekend trade show in Port Macquarie where so many people came to see our stand. At nights, the company's owners got together and the enthusiasm in the room was palpable. It is great to be associated with a company whose owners and staff are committed, excited and passionate about the ideals which hold it all together.

Favourite music?

Everything from Diana Krall and John Coltrane, to Paul Kelly and Missy Higgins. I also like classical, The Doobie Brothers, David Bowie, Clannard… you could say I have esoteric musical taste. I don't like Kenny G, Barry Manilow and Britney!

Favourite place to holiday?

Rawa, off the coast of Malaysia . No crowds, no television, no phones. A walk to the reef and only accommodation for about 80 people – but it's never full.

Favourite thing to do on a sunny weekend?

Paint the house – NOOOOoooo, just joking. I like spending time with my family, whatever that is.

Favourite thing to do on a rainy weekend?

Anything with the family is good. Maybe I will come to love painting – but then again…

Where were you born?

In picturesque Wodonga, on the Victorian side of the mighty Murray River . Well, the surrounding area is pretty neat but Wodonga has always played the poor cousin to Albury which is on the NSW side of the river (but we don't talk about those on the north side much).