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My name is David Brumby. I have been in the taxi industry for 38 years. I was between jobs after studying accounting. I decided that working in one of the top five accounting practice was not for me, so I started driving part time. I liked it so much that I bought my first cab in 1980. Now I'm a qualified WAT (Wheelchair Accessible Taxi) driver. I provide exceptional customer service to my wheelchair and day centre clients. In this industry, you need to be a good listener and ensure you pay attention to the individual needs of clients.

When I am not working, I like to go to the gym and I also enjoy bush walking. Some of my future goals in the industry include assisting WAT drivers to be trained to a higher level and to improve services to wheelchair and day centre clients.

During my driving career, I have been assaulted twice; incurring broken jaw and teeth, resulting in long recuperation. Victims of Crime Compensation assists, but nothing apart from time, lessens the physical and psychological damage.

The best aspect of my job is meeting and assisting a diverse range of clients with varying needs along with the fact that I have made exceptionally good acquaintances in the taxi industry over many years. Getting involved in VTD Driver Forum, VTA groups and the VTDA has also been rewarding.

In terms of famous people, I picked up Maurie Fields every day whilst filming Flying Doctors. Also Nicholas Hammond (who played Friedrich von Trapp in The Sound of Music) and recently, Barry Humphries. There are  some funny times driving taxis. I had a wheelchair client who thought I had put down the hoist after releasing the straps. Whilst I was opening the back door to lower the hoist, she reversed into the ramp and her head rest lodged in the ramp! It was 10pm on Sunday night and no matter what I tried, I could not dislodge the chair from the hoist. Eventually when I thought I would have to call the MFB, I used a wheel brace to jimmy them apart. Every time I pick this lady up, she reminds me of the incident and we both have a good laugh.

The taxi industry is a service industry and as a result the customer must always come first. If you are a customer service specialist from any profession, you can apply your skills in the taxi industry and build a long term and satisfying business. Many of my wheelchair clients have become personal friends. Indeed, I have transported one particular client to school, university and work. Eventually he got married. Guess who was privileged to chauffer the bride and groom?

You get out what you put in - I detest the scumbags who refuse fares, they are the blight on our once proud industry. It can be boring sitting around on ranks to get a start, but if you provide good, prompt and efficient service repeat business is almost guaranteed.