FUN FACTS:
Dream Job: If I weren’t doing what I am doing today, I would love be a professional race car driver.
First Car: I had a 1993 Ford Ranger, Manual transmission
Unknown Talent: I am mechanically inclined. I can build and repair bicycles
Proudest Accomplishment: Probably building a house for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. I was part of a 3-day build and seeing a home start at a foundation and become a home for a deserving family is one of the most rewarding things I have experienced.
What I learned from my biggest mistake: You can’t always will yourself through tough situations
The most unusual item in my office: A mermaid skeleton that we dressed up with Hard Rock swag
Favorite sports team: Indianapolis Colts
My guilty pleasure: Chick-fil-A
Some activities on my bucket list: See the Northern Lights, visit Cuba, and write a book
The scariest thing I have ever done: The most nonsensible – separating a dog fight between two 100+ lb dogs. I also went to ER after this. The scariest – feeding a 500lb silver back gorilla
Most embarrassing moment: driving a boat with the anchor down, sitting front row at a comedy show, getting a lower score on my SAT the 2nd time I took it, forgetting my football helmet for an away game in high school
WHAT INTERESTED ME IN VARIETY
When doing research on Children’s Charities in San Francisco, Variety immediately stood out – both from a business and personal perspective. I felt that it was is a charity that Hard Rock could partner with and support. I felt the staff would really embrace the mission and values and make any activations special. In addition, it’s a cause that’s important to me personally and that I felt I could impact in a positive and meaningful way.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HISTORY
I moved to Northern California in November 2018 with Hard Rock. I live with my girlfriend of two years and our recently adopted dog, Zoey. In November, we moved from downtown San Francisco to Marin County. Prior to living in the Bay area, I lived in Washington D.C., Atlanta and Indianapolis (where I grew up).
JOB STUFF
I’m a graduate of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business where I double majored in Marketing and International Business. After college, I entered the Hospitality world, working for Hyatt Hotels as a Sales Manager. I travelled around a little bit with the company, representing hotels in Atlanta and D.C. I ultimately left hotels to move back to Indiana, working as a Marketing Manager for a former NFL linebacker, Gary Brackett. Gary owns a local restaurant chain, called Stacked Pickle that has now franchised and grown to other states. From there, I was offered a position with the Hard Rock Cafe Indianapolis which really bridged my previous Hotel and Restaurant experience. After about 8 months, my boss asked me to move to San Francisco to work in her office representing the Hard Rock Cafe on Pier 39!
In addition to my full time, Hard Rock position, I actively serve on a number of Boards/Committees.
· Internal Corporate Business Committee, West Region
· Internal Marketing Committee, West Region
· Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District Marketing Committee
· Pier 39 Tenant Advisory Committee
· Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Media Advisory Board
· And now Variety – the Children’s Charity of Northern California!
PERSONAL INTERESTS
I love all types of outdoor activities (including dining-out and exploring new restaurants in our community). Some of my favorite outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking, boating and exercising.