Go Wild magazine recently had the opportunity to catch up with the entrepreneur Keith Mahon to find out about his latest Photographic business venture
Intro.
Over the past 15 years I have been running online hospitality brands such as MenuPages.ie, ireland.com,Â
It allows me to share all the skills I have picked up over the years and assist businesses in growing their online presence
- How does your normal day begin?Â
I start every day with a 15-minute meditation, this is something I picked up during Covid and it has become a great way to centre myself before starting into the working day. I like to grab a coffee, sit outside if possible, weather-dependent, and listen to the Daily Calm app. We are very fortunate to live on a stud farm with a backdrop of fields filled with beautiful horses, so a quick walk around the grounds after my morning meditation sets me up for the day
- What are your biggest daily challenges?
As a business owner, it is my goal to ensure I am meeting my clients expectations and always going the extra mile. I am there when they need some extra attention, some days it is a juggling act to prioritise, especially when unexpected things fall on my lap My biggest challenge is switching off at night time, as I always like to get everything done. Your reputation is everything in life and business, so it is important to me to get everything done on time and with a little style.
- What do you love most about your job?Â
The people, I am very fortunate to have travelled all the length and breadth of Ireland and met so many nice people along the way. I am so proud to be working in the Irish Hospitality Industry, I think we have some of the most amazing people from owners to chefs, front of house to operational staff. I would love to see the Irish government take our industry to a new level, by appointing a dedicated minister for Hospitality so that there is a focus 365 days per year with a primary function of protecting all the amazing businesses we have.
- What do you do to relax?
Earlier in my career I was guilty of never switching off, but lately, I have found finishing a day with a walk on The Curragh with my partner Olivia, helps close off the work day and allows us to clear our heads – this is often the time when we come up with new ideas for our businesses, I guess when you are self-employed, as we are, you never really stop thinking ahead and planning the next business move Like most people these days, with we love a good box set to get into and of course eating out is always high on the list of my favourite things to do.
- Favourite staycation destination in Ireland?Â
This is a very hard question to answer as we have been to every corner of Ireland and had amazing experiences. Recently we visited Dromquinna Manor in Kenmare which offers a different type of staycation in the form of luxury glamping which is very cool. Another highlight from this year would be the stunning Spanish Point in County Clare, amazing beaches and a great base to take the best of the Wild Atlantic Way. I am a huge fan of what John Burke and his Family have created with The Armada Hotel & Cottages, they are an incredible example of what Irish Hospitality is and should be. I have visited several times and it remains on my list of places I want to return to time and time again.
- Favourite holiday destination worldwide?Â
This might not be what you are expecting, but I made the decision a long time ago that I want to spend my days discovering everything that Ireland has to offer, I have been away many times, but I find that it is just not the same. Through work, I have spent a lot of time in the UK and brief visits to America. I have been on holiday to various parts of France, Spain and Portugal, but for me, Ireland is where I belong.
- Favourite Business motto?Â
Be so good they can’t ignore you
From the moment I started in business, I have always believed that you have to stand out from the crowd and if what you are offering is just so good, then companies won’t ignore you and business will start to flow in.
