Washington, District of Columbia, United States
With over 15 years in hospitality, I’ve gained stellar experience—from crafting cocktails in upscale restaurants to keeping things moving in busy, high-energy venues, plus supporting the launch of fresh, exciting concepts. I’m hands-on, people-first, and thrive when the pace is fast and the work is real. It is never just about the drinks or products—it’s about sparking connection, creating great vibes, and building community one guest and connection at a time.
Bar Manager & Opening Team Member Joined the founding team of Grain & Grog, a thriving American tavern in Northern Virginia, after relocating from San Diego in late 2023 to support the full lifecycle of the launch. As Bar Manager and a key member of the leadership team, I’ve helped shape the vision and daily operations of the business from the ground up. Key Responsibilities & Contributions: Collaborated closely with the owners during the pre-opening phase (beginning December 2023), contributing to concept development and operational planning. Developed and launched a seasonal, scratch-made cocktail program that has become a centerpiece of the guest experience. Lead all bar operations, including hiring, training, inventory management, and maintaining high service standards. Serve as second-in-command to ownership, supporting both day-to-day operations and long-term business strategy. Helped establish Grain & Grog as a standout destination in the local dining and bar scene. Additional Highlights: Frequently recognized by name in guest reviews and social media mentions, reflecting a strong personal connection with regulars and the surrounding community. Known for curating a welcoming, service-forward bar atmosphere that blends creativity, consistency, and genuine hospitality.
Worked at Basic Pizza intermittently over 12 years. A popular, high-volume bar and restaurant located steps from Petco Park in downtown San Diego. Most recently served as bartender, bringing deep knowledge of service, speed, and consistency in a fast-paced environment that regularly operated at capacity — especially during Padres games and major events. Key Responsibilities & Contributions: Delivered efficient, high-quality bar service in a high-volume setting known for its energetic crowd, especially during game days and citywide events. Built long-standing relationships with regulars and helped train new hires, contributing to a cohesive, service-oriented front-of-house team. Adapted to evolving roles over time — from support and service positions early on to eventually anchoring the bar team during peak shifts. Maintained calm and professionalism under pressure, consistently delivering quick turnaround and a welcoming guest experience even at peak volume. Additional Highlights: Gained a deep understanding of bar dynamics, team communication, and guest engagement in a fast-paced urban setting.
Joined Liquid Death in its early stages during a pivotal period of rapid expansion. As one of the earlier members of the field sales team, I played a key role in building retail presence, driving sell-through, and establishing the brand’s irreverent, disruptive identity in the Southern California market and beyond (UT, TX, OR) Key Responsibilities & Contributions: - Spearheaded field sales and brand execution across the San Diego region and beyond (Oregon, Texas, Utah), building strong relationships with distributors, store teams, and independent accounts. - Drove retail expansion across convenience, grocery, and natural channels, helping to establish Liquid Death as a high-velocity, recognizable brand on shelves. - Activated in-store promotions, sampling events, and creative field marketing tactics to drive consumer awareness and increase sell-through. - Partnered with the national accounts and marketing teams to execute regional strategies and adapt them to local needs. - Contributed to the early culture of the company by embodying the brand voice and delivering performance in a highly entrepreneurial, fast-paced environment. Additional Highlights: - Part of a lean, high-impact team during Liquid Death’s early growth years — helping to lay the foundation for what has since become one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in the U.S.