EVENTS
CHAMPIONSHIP FORM
The glittering history of the man supplying Vapouround’s lounges with coffee
Vaper Expo: The Big Weekend didn’t just live up to its name as the biggest
and boldest vaping event for its three-day duration, but as a machine
propelling companies and innovative creations all through the remaining
year. You never know what this unique little world will come up with next,
nor who you’ll run into as you traverse it.
Unsurprisingly, we found both quantity and quality united at the Expo.
With the vape business still in a boom period and gathering momentum,
regulation be damned, Vapouround are in the luxuriant position of
expanding our lounges and filling them with the best people and products.
The Expo humanises those who make this industry what it is; they go from
unseen, nebulous figureheads to familiar faces, even friends. It’s a relief
to pull back the curtain every so often to show some appreciation.
The company supplying Vapouround’s lounges with coffee are Espresso
Essential, and the official rep for Espresso Essential’s South West region
is Glenn Catley. We found him at their stand, graciously offering every
passing visitor a free cup – and some of us really needed it.
Glenn Catley can be described in many ways. He proudly introduced
himself as “Bristol born and bred” – and has enjoyed a career as a
prominent motivational speaker, advocate of clinical hypnotherapy, stress
management coach and now operates a training business in clinical
psychotherapy for the enhancement of personal and business skills.
But, the charming Glenn Catley swiftly moved on to “Former WBC
Super Middleweight Champion of the world – and I never get bored of
saying that!”
Glenn’s stand wasn’t just distinguished by the service provided, but the
looped highlight reels of his best victories in the ring, and a stunning
display of championship belts.
Nicknamed ‘The Catman’ and renowned for his punching power (which
saw 22 of 29 wins coming by knockout) Glenn peaked in 2001 with a
dramatic final-round stoppage of Markus Beyer in Germany for the vacant
WBC belt; a title which would eventually be held by Joe Calzaghe and
Carl Froch.
“Ten years ago, the boss of Espresso Essential, Dave Marshall, tried to
get me involved with it – I was too focused on my in-ring comeback at the
time. A year ago I popped into the factory, just to catch up and was offered
a post again. I’m thoroughly enjoying, we’re absolutely thriving, just like
the vape business. Dave suggested we come and have a display at the
NEC, meet all the people in the vape scene, and I thought I’d tell my story
while I’m here.”
Since its founding, Espresso Essential has expanded to schools, clubs,
stores, offices and of course, vape lounges.
VAPOUROUND MAGAZINE ISSUE 11 133