We began 20 sentences that each person finished in their own words. Here’s what Graham Williamson, General Manager of restaurant Proof an American Canteen, had to say about family, his passion for food and beverage and everything in between.
Age: 29
Title: General Manager, Proof an American Canteen (located at the Four Season Resort Scottsdale)
Married/Single: Married to my incredible wife (Jessica) for four years
Kids: One son, Callum lain Anuenuekahilikuowaipio Williamson, born February 2011 (maybe the first child born in Arizona whose name has spilled onto the second line of a birth certificate)
Live: North Phoenix, Arizona
I was born…
on the west coast of Scotland.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
is the sunshine and the amazing restaurants peppered throughout the valley.
I’m listening to…
everything and anything but especialy the awesome music that plays in Proof like Mumfor and Sons, Wallflowers and Maroon 5.
My family…
my wife and one year old are the most wonderful and supportive poeple in the world-The Williamson clan are in sunny Scotland, and Jessica’s family in Paradise on the Big Island in Hawaii.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
Nelson Mandela for inspiration, or Billy Connolly (Scottish Comedian) for entertainment.
One thing I cannot live without…
I would have said single malt Scotch Whisky, until I got cracking on Proof’s Whisky list-I have discovered some incredible and unique single malts that are very similar flavor profile to a dram of Scotland’s finest coming from the US, one of my favorites is McCarthy’s from Clear Creek Distillery in Oregon.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
either a soccer player (if I had any talent) or a pharmacist who makes drugs to fight cancer (just like my dad).
I’m inspired by…
everything and everyone around me- there are so many talented people in the world; I try to take a little inspiration form each person I meet.
The one person who motivates me is…
myself. Sometimes you need to kick your own backside.
If could change anything in the world, it would be…
to move Scotland a little closer to the equator-when the sun shines in Scotland it can be the most beautiful place on earth (unfortunately Scotland has only two seasons, winter and July-so its no coincidence that I have spent the last nine years of my life in Hawaii, Sydney and now Arizona.)
The perfect day would be…
waking up at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, and spending the day on the beach, with ono food and a nice cold Kona Brew Castaway IPA (or three).
My first job was…
was a waiter at fifteen years old, it’s what drove my love for food and beverage.
My favorite escape…
is hitting the golf course (but who needs to escape?)
My life…
is non-stop, frantic and fun. It’s everything I hoped for and filled with people that amaze and delight me every day.
I’m currently working on…
opening our new American Canteen concept Restaurant Called Proof at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale-setting the benchmark for comfortable, casual and memorable dining. I work with an incredible team of inspiring, talented and passionate individuals serving some of the most delicious food in the valley.
Always…
treat other as you expect to be treated.
Never…
do anything without passion or enthusiasm.
Favorite Quote…
“There are only two choices regarding commitment, you are either in or you are out. There’s no such thing as life in between.” -Pat Riley
Biggest Dream…
is to be a general manager of one of the greatest hotels in the world.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
are people who stifle creativity and say no, just because it is easier-change is constant, growth is optional. Embrace it.
Hello Graham,
You are a person who obviously loves his job and family – the most important things in life.
May I just mention `Glenmorange`?
Best wishes to you,Jessica and Callum.
Colin Williamson Edinburgh, Scotland.
Graham`s great uncle (in age – not necessarily quality)
A close friend of the Williamson ‘clan’ Graham epitomises the whole family ethic of dedication and total commitment. His passion and enthusiasm reflects in his assessment of his peers who no doubt absorb all that is good in any successful working relationship,a credit to Graham as an individual and a great asset to the company. May I wish him and your group continued success. Moira from Scotland…..
What a fine young man Graham Williamson is! I’m very proud to know him: my sister Fiona is his mother. My only complaint about him is that his commitment to his job keeps him so busy, he and his gorgeous wife & cute wee son haven’t been able to visit the house we’ve built in Italy!!
Do visit http://www.umbrianretreats.com to see what he’s missing!
Lots of love to you Graham, Jessica & Callum Florence & Clive
xx