MEET THE BM TEAM!

First name: Denis McAtee

Nickname: DingoDog

What is your role at BlackMilk? Operations Manager

How long have you been working at BM? 8 years total.

What does a typical day at work look like for you? I start at 6am and finish at 3pm, and in between I’m always looking for efficiencies and sorting any problems that may arise in Cutting, Printing, Sublimating, Sewing and Quality Control. I also help the team with any personal issues they may have.

What’s your fave thing about working at BM? The “people” of course. I love how they never let the business down, they are always up for the challenge of continuous improvement. Growing our own talent gives me a big thrill when I see team members progressing through the business.

What BlackMilk work achievement are you most proud of? Helping retain such a large manufacturing base in Brisbane and producing at the lowest cost. The team members deserve their jobs as they all work extremely hard delivering high quality garments 100% on time, every time. Respect to them for that, as it is not easy operating textile machinery 38 hours a week.

How did you get into Textiles?  I started work in 1973 for an Icelandic company called Eider Knit, they made heavy gauge knitwear. I was employed to clean up the mess and have the tea ready for breaks. I worked my way through all the cutting and sewing departments and became Production Manager for the factories in Glasgow and Reykjavik Iceland. I spent 13 years there. I then spent 14 years in another knitwear company, supplying top brands in the UK and USA. I moved to NZ and was a General Manager of NZ’s largest school uniforms supplier, and then on to Australia where I am now. I have loved every minute in Textiles.

How did you start at BlackMilk? I saw an article about the explosion in sales and said “I need to work there”, so I waited till they advertised and put my hand up for the job. You see, anything can happen if you put your mind to it.

What’s your fave BlackMilk piece? Anything with blood splatter and gore and a few ribs chucked in for that shock and awe appeal.

Describe your style in three words. Inquisitive, articulate, thoughtful.

What do you love to do in your spare time? Watch UFO documentaries with my wife, with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc (so I can take it with me if I get abducted).

Fave food? Indian food – the hotter the better, gums on fire.

Do you have a hidden talent? I keep goldfish.

What can’t you live without? Ruth, my wife of 49 years.

What are three items you’d take with you to a deserted island? Ruth, a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and a copy of Vertex production control just in case I open up a factory.

What book should people read? 2001 A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clark.

What was the last show you binge watched?  3 Body Problem.

What are you listening to at the moment? Marmalade – Reflections Of My Life.

If you could go anywhere on your next holiday, where would you go? I want to travel all around Australia.

What advice do you have for people trying to get into production? Start at the bottom and slowly gather the experience. Put your hand up for every opportunity that comes your way.

Try not to get sucked in with the politics, stay humble and good things will come to you.

Always remember “results do not have an opinion”, they speak for themselves.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?  I am not sure…at the moment I am 68 years young and firmly believe in not “letting the old man in”, I dont have the time for that!

Anything else you want to add? BlackMilk is a great place to work. I would like to take this opportunity to thank James and Linda for giving me the autonomy and 100% support in delivering the highest efficiency Production has ever seen. 

Finally, I could not have been successful without the loyalty and total support the entire Production team has afforded me. It has been a privilege to work and serve with all the teams in BlackMilk.

Just for fun, show us your pets! This is my fish!