TWO PROVIDORES - Key Persons
Adam is committed to running a successful and sustainable business that aids both our artisan producers, essentials suppliers and customers. He is looking for ways to continuously improve the service we provide as well as providing an exceptional working environment for the staff. Adam is a champion of Australian produce, loves the process of moving products from the producer to the end user and is full of theories as to why the Roosters will win the grand final this year.
Amber Hoult Territory Manager My craziest culinary experience… When I was working in London, I went foraging for mushrooms with a chef that I was working with. We came across the biggest ‘chicken of the wood' mushroom growing on a tree on the side of the road - it was as big as a dinner plate, it was huge! We picked it, took it back to the restaurant we were working at, and served it up to some of our staff. Thank goodness we didn't serve it to customers, because the staff who ate it all ended up in hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning - from all the fumes that had been absorbed by the mushroom from the passing cars!! My favourite product from Two Providores… Malfroy's Gold. I just love the story behind this brand and Tim's whole approach to it. It's also an utter taste sensation - a surprising taste sensation. It fills your mouth in a way that I imagine the magical food did in Enid Blyton's ‘Folk of the Faraway Tree'. When I'm not at work… Two children under the age of five is my side hustle. Nothing else fits in! Top three dinner party guests… Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain): my mother always told me that you should always invite a brilliant storyteller at a dinner party. There are few with finer insight and wit than Mark Twain. Queen Elizabeth I: who wouldn't want to sit with one of the greatest female rulers in recent history? … As long as we are all equals at the table though. Paul Bocuse: The great man is the ultimate host and his love and passion for food have touched people around the globe across generations. Plus, he could always help out if I was struggling with the souffle! My last meal on earth would be… My mum's moussaka.
Andrew moved from the bush to Sydney to study Supply Chain Management and Logistics. A part time job in a pizza shop transformed into running operations for a large QSR franchise business in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the USA. Andrew has 7 years' experience in operations and procurement in the QSR industry where he developed a passion for connecting product with people. He is the heart and soul of the procurement team, with a rain man recall of details big and small.
Andrew Percival Territory Manager My craziest culinary experience… Valentine's Day at Coast in Camden Town 2011, biggest go-down in history. Doesn't sound that crazy but for those present they will never forget! My favourite product from Two Providores… I think Ortiz is a great example of the producers we work with at Two Providores, it's capturing an ingredient at its peak! When I'm not at work… I'm still cookin'… Top three dinner party guests… Motley Crue in 1985, minus Nikki Sixx. My last meal on earth would be… Bowl of scouse on a November night in Liverpool when it's raining sideways outside.
Angus Sloane Warehouse Manager 2IC My craziest culinary experience… Growing, slaughtering, and curing meat for cabanossi, biltong, bresaola, and many other cured meats with my Uncle. My favourite product from Two Providores… La Tortilleria corn chips are always my favourite snack. It's very handy that I have them ready on the go when I'm running around the warehouse! When I'm not at work… I love spending time on the water and always have a project on the go. I'm currently building a boat with my Dad - hopefully it will be ready by the summer of 2030! Top three dinner party guests… It would have to be my family for a Sunday dinner. My last meal on Earth would be… It's got to be Mum's Spaghetti Bowl
Ben Crowe, his life story fascinates me with its alchemy of sport, success, and failures, along with his quest for vulnerability, kindness and connection. I'd listen to him for hours. Prince Harry, for the goss on his family dynamics (I mean what was he thinking?! He needs a chat with Ben!) My Mum, for one last conversation…
Job Titles:
- Customer Service Team Leader
Dave has over 10 years' experience working for QSR in the fast food sector which laid the foundations for his unwavering commitment to customer service. After moving into Warehouse Management for a wholesale food company, Dave began working at Two Providores to pair the best food in Australia with excellent customer experiences. Dave loves imparting his food knowledge onto his team and particularly enjoys product tasting sessions.
Job Titles:
- Digital Transformation and Strategy
Eric Yu Digital Transformation and Strategy My craziest culinary experience… Travelling 6 hours via bullet train between lunch and dinner, just to dine at an ichigen-san okotowari (introduction only restaurant) in Japan. It was worth it though because it was one of the top 5 meals I've had in my life and extremely difficult to get a reservation for. My favourite product from Two Providores… While all my other team members have chosen some amazing products that I love and eat often, none of them have the wow factor that Malfroy's Gold Wild Honeycomb has. Not only do I respect Tim Malfroy's holistic approach to beekeeping and find his terroir focused honey amazing, but you simply can't beat the looks on people's faces when the honey oozes out of the comb or bursts when eaten. When I'm not at work… My second passion (after food) is racing, and I've raced karts competitively. I'm always up for an on-track challenge. Name the track and I'll be there. Top three dinner party guests… Ayrton Senna, Steve Jobs, Satoshi Nakamoto My last meal on Earth would be… For my last meal on earth, you'll find me at the stunningly beautiful hinoki counter (made from a single 400-year-old Japanese cypress tree) being served by one of the best sushi artisans in the world at Sushidokoro Mekumi (すし処 めくみ)…and if time permitting, Kataori (片折) right after. Oh, and a Cremia to finish!
Job Titles:
- Supplier Relationships and Produce Manager
Erica Goldfinch Supplier Relationships and Produce Manager Erica is an advocate for Australian producers and the representation of their products in kitchens and on plates across Australia. With over 30 years' experience in the food industry, her role at Two Providores sees her broker relationships with over 100 Australian Producers and share their stories, produce and commitment to sustainability with our customers. When Erica is not traveling through regional Australia working with producers, she is busy completing her Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Living through The University of Tasmania. My craziest culinary experience… Standing over the amazing 150-year-old vats at Kamebishiya in the Kagawa Prefecture in Japan with 17th generation soy sauces makers Kanae and Kaori Okada. My favourite product from Two Providores… Saffron from Tas-Saf - a wonderful family-owned business that produce high quality Saffron that shows why we need to buy and support local food producers. When I'm not at work… Grow Native edible plants and run school educational programs on gardening to get kids excited about gardening and eating fresh fruit and vegetables they can grow themselves. Top three dinner party guests… Sir David Attenborough, Joseph Banks and Jane Goodall. My last meal on Earth would be… Anything surrounded by family and friends with a nice glass of Pinot Noir.
Gary Prebble Territory Manager My craziest culinary experience… A comically bad steak in Barcelona, served by a proprietor not dissimilar to Manuel from Faulty Towers, very funny, in retrospect… My favourite product from Two Providores… Amaretti alla Mandorla - traditional, artisan-made Italian biscuits. Biscuits don't get much better than that! When I'm not at work… I like to swim in the sea and play drums. Top three dinner party guests… Ole Nydahl, Dzongsar Khyentse, and my wife. My last meal on earth would be… Florentina steak, a Fontodi Chianti Classico, eaten slowly!
George Grech Warehouse Manager My craziest culinary experience… Being at the street markets in Asia, exploring all the different foods and eating things I wouldn't usually eat - like snake! My favourite product from Two Providores… Pendleton Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I love the strong flavour and the way the taste lasts in your mouth. It also has a beautiful texture. When I'm not at work… I love just being outdoors. And riding my motorcycle. I once rode from Perth to Sydney! Top three dinner party guests… My grandma - she's always on the top of my list; my mother, and the first chef who mentored me back home in Malta when I was 14. My last meal on Earth would be… My grandmother's lasagna.
Isla Hill Territory Manager My craziest culinary experience… More unforgettable than ‘crazy'. A two-day adventure to catch crabs on the mid-north coast before sunrise, boiled in sea water and left on ice overnight. Having never cracked crabs before, I was subject to ‘everyman for themselves' whilst a table full of crab cracking veterans destroyed 40 blue swimmer crabs in 45 minutes. My favourite product from Two Providores… Perello Olives! Sexy on the shelf and perfect for a martini, a gilda or a cheeseboard addition. Plus, they come in bulk size if you are a true fanatic. When I'm not at work… I collect any kind of kitchen-related items. Ceramics, gadgets (smokers and pizza ovens), artworks with fish on them, platters, cocktail glasses - you name it, I'll want to buy it! My favourite item: a toothpick holder shaped like an echidna. Top three dinner party guests… Ixta Belfrage, Alison Roman (for giving the chefy spin on my non-chef dinner party dreams). And my Grandma. My last meal on earth would be… A freshly caught whole baked fish with lots and lots of lemon and fresh herbs. A good glass of wine and lots of sides.
Jon Barrios Territory Manager My craziest culinary experience… Sharing an evening meal and drinks with locals in Siem Reap, Cambodia after a long day at the temples. "Fresh" fish from the river, backyard "free-range" chicken, cold beers and a bunch of monks. A night to remember! My favourite product from Two Providores… Acide Pickles. Committed to zero waste and sustainability, but most importantly the whole range is delicious! When I'm not at work… I still hustle as a chef, but outside of hospitality I'm a football and MotoGP fanatic. Bit of a sports nut! Top three dinner party guests… Alex Ferguson, David Beckham, Robbie Williams. My last meal on earth would be… A large woodfired pepperoni pizza.
Kaleel oversees the strategic direction of the business and is keenly involved with maintaining producer relationships as well as ensuring product and service integrity for our customers. Kaleel is a hands-on CEO and is just as likely to be found tinkering with the forklift as he is to be forecasting a purchase order. He has a keen interest in the way we manage our waste and our environmental footprint and is always working to implement best practice.
Nabil Haddad In-House Accountant My craziest culinary experience… Cooking a delicious Lebanese dish on the side of the road, high in the French Alps, truly memorable. My favourite product from Two Providores… I love artichoke hearts, earthy & delicious. When I'm not at work… Golf and Poker Top three dinner party guests… Sean Connery, Stevie Wonder and Monica Bellucci My last meal on Earth would be… Lamb and onion skewers on charcoal
Ricky Firth Sales Manager My craziest culinary experience… Watching Deb (our Marketing Manager) peel a hard-boiled egg - it was a magical experience. My favourite product from Two Providores… Table 181 Smoked Soy. Incredible product from an amazing producer. What makes this product so great is its versatility across different cuisines. When I'm not at work… I have always been a chef, so I still do the odd private function for clients. Otherwise, you can catch me mountain climbing in the Blue Mountains or in the canyons. Top three dinner party guests… Anthony Bourdain, Kurt Cobain, Matt Berninger My last meal on earth would be… Too hard to choose. I would probably request a degustation menu from Rene Redzepi of all completely new menu items from their Test Kitchen.
Responsible for the overall management, sales strategy and brand communication of Two Providores, Sally is a passionate supporter of Australian produce. Over her 20-year career in Australia and the US, she has brokered relationships between some of the world's leading producers and chefs. From a country upbringing, Sally is fully invested in the Two Providores vision of keeping Australian producers producing. Sally has worked extensively in both the food & wine industry and her search for fabulous cheese knows no bounds.
Job Titles:
- Warehouse Afternoon Shift Supervisor
Stephen Quintano Territory Manager My craziest culinary experience… As a pastry chef in my early 20s (a long time ago), I was told by my Head Chef to bake a cake for our Japanese owners (@The Grape Escape North Sydney) with a very complex and detailed ‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY JU KON CHUN', which was to be piped out in Japanese. Well, I baked an amazing cake, iced the cake, decorated with chocolate leaves etc. and piped out the wording and popped it in the fridge. All was good but as I was getting it out that night and placed it on a bench, I hurriedly went to pick one bamboo skewer from the top self (just over the cake) and the whole container of skewers fell over and ploughed into the cake. Well, the cake looked like a porcupine with hundreds of skewers piercing the top and side of the cake. The Japanese writing was destroyed and as my Chef said, looks like Chinese symbols now… My favourite product from Two Providores… Époisses cheese When I'm not at work… When I'm not at work I love to cook healthy meals, entertain and walk on the beach with our standard Black Schnauzer, Freddie (named after Freddie Mercury). Top three dinner party guests… Joanna Lumley (as Patsy), Ryan Gosling - just because it's obvious - and David Attenborough - just because he is wise. My last meal on earth would be… Timpana - It's a Maltese baked macaroni combined with ricotta and mince sauce and peas. It's my favourite dish and my mum cooks it the best.
Stuart Christie Territory Manager My craziest culinary experience… Being at Her Majesty's Service - in two very different ways! Working for a catering agency during my university years I was sent on shift to work in a prison canteen serving lunch after peeling 20kg of onions. Then, in literally the same employment, a few weeks later I was selected to serve Queen Elizabeth lunch after opening a large public building. Quite the contrast, and both awesome stories! My favourite product from Two Providores… Pilu Bottarga, the iconic Sardinian ingredient, takes me back to my favourite destination: Italy. I've been lucky enough to visit all parts of Italy and this 100% Australian-made version blew me away, a staple at home for all my cooking. When I'm not at work… I have always loved live music and have had the lucky opportunity to see many of the great female artists of the past decades, highlights of course would be Grace Jones, Madonna, Bjork, Beyonce, Cher and of course I was there for Britney's first ever tour! I have very wide taste in music and love to get into conversation sharing music experiences of others - music makes the world round, as does great food of course. Top three dinner party guests… Miuccia Prada, Roisin Murphy, Victoria Beckham. My last meal on earth would be… I love pizza. I worked for a large pizzeria chain for many years and it was heaven sent - pizza every day for me is bliss. I love all styles, from trash to truffle. But for that last meal give me an authentically made, wood fired prosciutto and rocket pizza that allows that dough to sing- and if it could be served in Siena, all the better.
Vishal Naidu Operations Manager Craziest culinary experience… Would have to be when I first ate snails. I was always disgusted at the thought, but someone convinced me to just try them, and they were actually delicious! My favourite product from Two Providores… Old Bones Garlic Chilli - it goes on anything and everything!! Except for ice-cream…although maybe I'll try that one day… When I'm not at work… I love gaming, I play everyday in my free time. I'm also a licensed pilot. Top three dinner party guests… My friend Kathy - she's the one who's really opened my eyes to food; my ride-or-die Lareina, who's always up for a new or different food experience; my best friend Teddy, who always brings joy and laughter to the table. Never a dull moment with him. My last meal on Earth would be… Anything made by my mum!