In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Conor Moules, country manager at Bamboo, an app that allows customers to order and pay from hundreds of restaurants, cafes and hotels across Ireland seamlessly through its suite of ordering tools. It gives hospitality businesses a platform to offer advance ordering and contactless pickup for their customers. Revenues at the Dublin headquartered app have risen by more than 400 per cent in the last year, with customers and orders rising by 230 per cent and 136 per cent respectively in the same period.
What was your first job?
My first job was with CK Signs and Display in Wexford. I’ve known the owners, Gavin and Com, since I was a kid and they’re now a supplier for Bamboo.
What qualifications do you have?
I left education early. I came of age around 2008 and had no idea what I wanted to do, so I emigrated to Australia and got to work. It was the best decision I ever made.
What do you attribute your success to?
The people you surround yourself with is a huge factor. Putting yourself in uncomfortable situations also has been key. Once you have navigated through tough times you earn from yourself a belief that is unshakeable.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Hard-working, straight to the point and ambitious.
Who do you look up to in business?
Michael O’Leary. Ryanair is a brand that gets nowhere near the level of respect it deserves.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
It’s important that we have the same values and end goal. I care deeply about getting Bamboo to a place where I believe it deserves to be, and my brilliant team feels the same way. The app gives hospitality businesses a platform to offer advance ordering and contactless pick-up for their customers. Revenues have risen by more than 400 per cent in the last year, with customers and orders rising by 230 per cent and 136 per cent respectively in the same period.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
I’m new to doing business in Northern Ireland. One thing I’ve noticed so far is that people listen to what you have to say, but won’t hold back with any constructive criticism. That’s something I have a lot of respect for.
What website or app could you not do without?
Instagram. It is the easiest way to keep up to date with our venues on a daily basis.
What was the last book you read?
Not my last book, but the best book I ever read was “The Hard Thing about Hard Things by Ben Horowitz.” A life-changing read!
What car do you drive?
Skoda Superb.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I used to be an avid Texas Hold’em fan. Back in the day, I would enter competitions around Ireland. I got to the final table once at a BoyleSports tournament!
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Music, from Rage Against The Machine to Pavarotti, and everything in between. I use music as a tool to manage my day.
