The Man Behind THE BLACK SHEEP

Glen Blake

Born on 15th September 1970 in Greymouth, an old gold mining town on the West Coast
of the South Island of New Zealand.
Moved over to Christchurch, on the East Coast, when a wee chap.

Went to Burnside High School, played Rugby Union for Burnside Rugby Football Club for a number of years.
Began out on the 'Wing' and moved all the way in the pack, finally ending up in the position of 'Hooker'
A very keen fan of the mighty New Zealand 'All Blacks' Rugby team.

Was interested in computers since High School. Went to Polytech and Studied for a 'Certificate in Business Computing'
Started in the computer industry in 1990, working with IBM AS/400's up in New Zealand's Capital, Wellington.
Moved back to Christchurch 10 months later, working for IBM New Zealand.

Moved overseas in Feb 95 to seek the dream of ' fame and fortune'
Worked with AS/400's for a Building Materials company for two years.
Then worked for United Distillers as a 'Network Support Analyst' (cheap booze!)
During this time, I became a Certified Novell Administrator,
as well as worked towards being a Certified Lotus Professional.

In 1997 decided to go out on my own, and try my 'hand' at contracting, and haven't looked back.
Contracted to McDonalds Australia (yes...from booze to burgers!!)
Also contracted to Van Leer Limited (A Dutch world-wide packaging company)
I also worked for SSA Global Technologies, the company behind BPCS, as a Technical Consultant.
Also became a Microsoft Certified Professional, during my four and half years with them.

I finally worked for GWA International, in Sydney, Australia
setting up their new Data Centre, which was indeed a great challenge.

In 2005 I returned to New Zealand, I now own a hotel on the West Coast of the South Island (a magic part of the world)
Called Dunollie Hotel (see the photo below) just 7km's North of Greymouth on State Highway 7
So if you are passing by, call in, say you heard about the place on my Website and I will shout you a beer!

'Click' on Mr. Happy to return to my Homepage