In 2004, I graduated with honors from the University of Florida with a degree in history and anthropology, but working in that field never spoke to me the way that the spirits and hospitality industries do. I have worked in the food and beverage industry for nearly 25 years in every type of bar in Florida, Portland, Texas (mostly Austin), New Orleans, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Most recently, I was working on the brand side as the Portfolio Specialist covering all of California for RARE, the luxury and boutique division of Campari. During that time, I planned and executed over 100 events to educate trade and consumers and to advance the brands in the RARE portfolio. I’m highly skilled in event planning, cocktail creation, backbar program development, training, spirits history and education, P&L, and vendor relations. My skills and experience have been valuable for consulting work too. My goal is to use all of these skills and experience to assist many bars and restaurants achieve their own unique success.

Professional development is critical, so I am an alumnus of programs such as Camp Runamok, Portland Cocktail Week, Bar Institute, BAR 5-Day, Society of Wine Educators, Wine and Spirit Education Trust, and several others. I regularly attend conferences such as Tales of the Cocktail and San Antonio Cocktail Conference. Also, I make frequent trips to local, national, and international distilleries as well as guest shifts in great bars across the country headed by some of the friends I have made during my time in the industry. Whenever possible, I enter cocktail competitions in order to challenge myself and be inspired by the creativity of others. I have won several of them and been a finalist in a number of others. I’ve spoken at seminars, been in several articles, done some TV spots, and hosted brand activations for consumers and trade alike so I’m quite comfortable and experienced with public speaking. Brand ambassadors aren’t exactly known for being shy either. 

Outside of purely professional pursuits, I try to be a good member of the bartending community and my broader community. To that end, I volunteer a great deal with the United States Bartender’s Guild. In my various roles as Chapter Director, President, and Chair of the Education Committee as well as the Texas Tiki Week Committee, I have created and organized nearly 100 events. Currently, I am a part of the USBG National Education Committee. I am also a member of the National Board of Directors for the Society of Wine Educators. I hope to use my experience and privilege in these roles to create opportunities for those that have not been as fortunate as I’ve been.

I love this industry, and it is an honor to help grow it and within it in whatever way I can.