Dining Room and Bar Manager

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Family: Married with three kids 

This is a recent promotion for you. Congratulations!

I was the Head Bartender here at the Club for about five years before stepping up into my current role. I could probably tell you what everyone drinks at this point. It’s always gratifying to have members’ drinks ready before they ask for it. The looks on their faces when you hand them their drinks is very rewarding to me. I’m out from behind the bar, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stop doing it. 

What past work history prepared you for The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch?

I’ve been in the Food and Beverage industry for about 20 years. I have worked in various positions from server up through management. I feel like the experiences I’ve had have made me very well rounded as a manager. I plan to use these experiences to better the staff and the member experience.

What do you like most about working at Cordillera Ranch?

I work with a staff that is dedicated to going above and beyond for the members. Everything we do is to make the members’ experiences at the Club the best they can be. The membership is also a huge part of why I enjoy working at Cordillera Ranch. I’ve worked at a few clubs and the membership at Cordillera is second to none. Everyone is so genuine and caring. It really makes me look forward to coming to work.

What has been your most rewarding professional experience?

I’ve had a few professional accomplishments, but for me the most rewarding is mentoring people to succeed and take my position. I’ve been lucky in my career to have some great mentors. I feel like it’s only right that I pay forward what I’ve learned to others.

What has been your greatest professional challenge?

Year to date, I’d have to say that COVID has been my biggest challenge. For one, staffing has always been challenging in this industry. You have people who graduate from school, move and switch jobs. With COVID, new applicants were nearly non-existent, which made it very difficult to staff. Another challenge was the CDC guidelines that seemed to change constantly for a while.

With a career in Food & Beverage, do you enjoy cooking and entertaining at home?

I love the industry so much that I take it home with me. I don’t cook as much as I’d like because of my schedule and family, but when I do its usually smoking BBQ or making pizzas in my pizza oven. I have a bar that is well stocked as well. I enjoy conjuring up drinks for guests when we host parties.

For what in your life are you most grateful?

My wife, Allyson, and my kids Mason(5), Luke(3) and Brynn(1). They make me who I am and push me to do better every day. 

What are your hobbies and interests?

I’m a big baseball fan. I love to watch it and play it, and enjoy teaching my older son the fundamentals of the game and coaching his team. I also enjoy going to hear live music. I’m a big Texas Country Music fan.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A pro baseball player, hands down. I grew up watching the Cubs and Braves on TV and was always in awe of the atmosphere and energy each game brought. I remember playing in the street all the time.  

If you could time travel, where would you go, and why?

I’d probably go somewhere in the future. I’m really curious as to where our technology is headed.

If I could hop on a plane tomorrow…….

I would go to Greece to soak up the sun on the beaches of Santorini and Mykonos. The white buildings and blues roofs have always been a draw for me, not sure why, maybe because of the fresh and airy vibe it gives off. I’m really interested in the history and culture of the country as well.