Q&A with Cees Hofman: The Man, The Myth, The Maverick

Q: Cees, you’ve had your hands in all sorts of pies. What’s been your most mental venture so far?

A: Mate, I’ve been in more scrapes than a dodgy car on a cobbled street. Runnin’ Carefree Bnb? That’s like herdin’ cats in a bloody rainstorm. Every day’s a right laugh—one minute you’re up, the next you’re knee-deep in the muck. We’ve had some proper dodgy moments, but somehow, we always come out smellin’ of roses.

Q: You’re clearly a bloke who knows his way around the gym. What’s your fitness crack?

A: Listen, mate, I’m all about beefin’ up proper. I’m gunnin’ for 100 lbs of muscle—built like a brick shithouse, you know? It’s not just about lookin’ the part; you gotta have the engine to back it up. Keepin’ me fat down to 10-12% when I’m not bulkin’—that’s just gravy. And when I’m in the saddle, pushin’ the pedals? I’m off like a shot, mate. Nothin’ better than feelin’ that burn in your legs and knowin’ you’re smashin’ it.

Q: What keeps a bloke like you pushin’ the envelope?

A: I can’t stand sittin’ still, mate. Life’s too short to be faffin’ about. Whether I’m dreamin’ up new schemes or plottin’ the next big move, I’m always lookin’ to level up. You can’t be restin’ on your laurels while the world’s turnin’. And let’s face it, I’m addicted to the hustle—there’s a proper buzz in takin’ risks and seein’ ‘em pay off. The world’s movin’ fast, and I’m here to keep up, if not set the bloody pace.

Q: What’s the most daft thing you’ve got planned?

A: Got a few corkers in the works. Sailin’ ‘round the Horn—that’s a right madman’s dream, innit? Then there’s the baseball tour—hittin’ all 30 parks in one season with the tribe in tow. But movin’ to Moscow? That’s the one that’ll have the neighbours talkin’. The idea of packin’ up and plantin’ roots in a whole new world—that’s the kind of challenge that gets me buzzin’. It’s not just about the adventure; it’s about seein’ how far I can stretch what I’ve built.

Q: You’re a family man through and through. How do you juggle the chaos?

A: It’s like jugglin’ flaming knives, mate, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Madison’s me rock, and the boys—they’re the reason I keep the fire burnin’. Between wranglin’ rentals and chasin’ after the littl’uns, it’s like I’m walkin’ a tightrope most days. But we’re a tight crew, and that’s what matters. When the day’s done, and we’re all knackered, there’s a quiet moment—just long enough to recharge before the madness kicks off again the next day. It’s like ridin’ a wave—find the rhythm, and when you do, it’s pure magic.

Q: What’s the secret sauce to makin’ Carefree Bnb tick?

A: Grit, guts, and a touch of bloody-mindedness, mate. You’ve gotta roll with the punches, keep your head on a swivel, and never stop graftin’. It’s about buildin’ something with heart, not just chasin’ the quid. We’re keepin’ it family-run, and that’s what gives us the edge—people feel that, you know? We’re not some faceless corporation—we’re a crew that’s right there in the trenches. There’s a certain satisfaction in knowin’ that every decision, every move, is made with a proper dose of heart and intention. Treat people right, and they’ll keep comin’ back, simple as.

Q: When you’re not sweatin’ it out, what do you get up to?

A: I’m a sucker for the wild, mate. Canyoneerin’, campin’ out with the missus and the lads, and tinkerin’ with random side hustles—just for a laugh. And if I’m not out in the sticks, I’m prolly buried in me Garmin app, trackin’ stats like a mad scientist. I’ve got a thing for tech, especially when it makes life smoother. Whether it’s gamin’ the system to optimize me workouts or findin’ the next app to streamline business, I’m always on the lookout for that edge.

Q: Any parting words of wisdom, or should I say, ‘life hacks’ for the punters?

A: Don’t be a muppet, mate. Live by design, not by default. Life’s too short to be playin’ someone else’s game. Get out there, make some noise, and carve your own path. And remember, no matter how wild it gets, there’s always somethin’ to learn from the chaos. Life’s a proper adventure—might as well enjoy the ride. And if you find yourself takin’ it too seriously, just remember—nothin’s permanent. Roll with the punches, have a laugh at the absurdity, and keep pushin’ forward. You’ve got one shot at this gig, so make it count.

Q: What’s your take on success and failure?

A: Success is sweet, no doubt, but failure? That’s where the real graft happens. Every stumble’s a lesson wrapped up in grit. You hit the deck, dust yourself off, and get back in the ring. If you’re not fallin’ on your arse now and then, you’re not pushin’ hard enough. It’s the failures that sharpen the edge—make you hungrier, smarter, and more determined to smash the next goal. So yeah, success is a lovely bit of icing, but it’s the failures that give it the right flavour.

Q: If you could leave one mark on the world, what would it be?

A: I’d want people to remember me as the bloke who didn’t just talk the talk, but walked the walk. Someone who lived with purpose, who wasn’t afraid to take risks and who helped others see their potential. If I can inspire just one person to chase their dreams, to go after what they really want in life—well, that’s a legacy I’d be chuffed with. It’s not about fame or fortune; it’s about leavin’ the world a little better than I found it, and if that means sparkin’ a fire in someone else, then job well done, I reckon.

Q: What’s your philosophy on work-life balance?

A: Mate, the whole work-life balance thing—it’s a jugglin’ act, and sometimes, yeah, the balls hit the ground. But that’s just part of the game. The trick? Knowin’ which ones are made of rubber and which ones are glass. Some things you can drop and pick up later, no harm done. Others, like family, health—those you keep in the air at all costs. It’s about priorities, plain and simple. You’re not gonna get it right every time, but as long as you’re givin’ it a proper go and keepin’ the important stuff front and center, you’re doin’ alright.

Q: You’re always on the go, jugglin’ businesses and adventures. How do you keep your energy levels up?

A: It’s all about fuelin’ the machine, mate. You gotta eat right, train hard, and make sure you’re gettin’ enough kip. I’ve got me routines dialed in—daily workouts, proper nutrition, and a bit of mindfulness to keep the noggin sharp. And let’s not forget the occasional break—ya can’t run at full throttle all the time. Sometimes, you gotta pull over, refuel, and get back on the road with a full tank.

Q: What’s the most barmy adventure you’ve ever been on?

A: Blimey, where do I start? There was that time we got lost in the desert—GPS on the blink, water runnin’ low, and not a soul in sight. But instead of flappin’, we kept our heads and navigated our way out with a bit of old-school savvy. Then there was the canyoneerin’ trip where we had to abseil down a waterfall—one slip and it could’ve been curtains. But that’s the thrill of it, innit? Livin’ life on the edge, feelin’ that rush, and knowin’ you’ve got what it takes to get through it.

Q: You seem to have a knack for balancing risks and rewards. What’s your secret?

A: It’s all about calculatin’ the odds, mate. I’m not out here throwin’ caution to the wind with me eyes shut. You gotta weigh up the risks, look at the potential rewards, and then decide if it’s worth the leap. Sometimes, you’re gonna land on your arse, but if you don’t take the jump, you’ll never know how far you could’ve gone. Trust your gut, but don’t be daft—know when to hold ‘em and when to leg it.

Q: If you could sit down with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

A: I reckon I’d have a chinwag with Ernest Shackleton. The bloke led his crew through one of the toughest survival stories ever, and they all made it out alive. That’s leadership when the chips are down, mate. I’d want to pick his brain about what kept him goin’, how he kept the lads’ spirits up, and what he learned from being stuck in the ice for months. Plus, I bet he’s got some belter stories.

Q: You’re a man of many talents—what’s one thing you’ve yet to master?

A: Sailin’. I’m learnin’, but I’m not quite there yet. The sea’s got a mind of its own, and there’s somethin’ about harnessin’ the wind that’s both humblin’ and exhilarating. It’s a challenge I’m takin’ on with both hands. But yeah, there’s a steep learnin’ curve, and I’ve still got a ways to go before I’m cruisin’ the open waters like a proper sailor. But that’s the beauty of it, ain’t it? There’s always somethin’ new to learn, always another horizon to chase.

Q: What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

A: Well, I reckon people might be surprised to know that I’ve got a soft spot for a good ol’ kids’ book. I even wrote one about a kitty explorin’ national parks. It was a bit of a side quest, but it turned out to be a right laugh. I think there’s somethin’ magical about connectin’ with the inner child, keepin’ that sense of wonder alive. Plus, it’s a good reminder that life doesn’t always have to be so serious—sometimes, you just gotta let loose and have a bit of fun.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

A: “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff.” It’s a classic, but it’s spot on. We get so wrapped up in the little things—worryin’ about what could go wrong, stressin’ over things that, in the grand scheme, don’t really matter. But when you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, you realize that most of it ain’t worth losin’ sleep over. Focus on what you can control, let go of what you can’t, and just keep crackin’ on.

Q: If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

A: I’d tell the young Cees to trust the process. There’s gonna be ups, downs, and sideways turns, but it all adds up in the end. Don’t get too caught up in tryin’ to figure out every step—sometimes, you just gotta take a leap and trust that you’ll land where you’re meant to be. And maybe, just maybe, don’t eat so many donuts on that one bulk—your future self will thank you for it!