Q: What year did you graduate from Kent State and with what degree?
I graduated from Kent State in December 2009, Degree in Nutrition and Food with a concentration in Hospitality Management
Q: What is Bottega Louie Restaurant and Gourmet Market?
Bottega Louie is a world-class French patisserie, a Gourmet Market selling its own line of pasta sauces, gift boxes and chocolate bars ect., an off-site catering company and an online retailer that ships its world famous macarons across the U.S. Bottega Louie also recently launched a line of luxury Wedding Cakes and special occasion cakes. In 2014, Bottega Louie, was awarded Best Restaurant and Best Brunch by LA Weekly Readers.
Q: What does your job entail as Director of Sales at Bottega Louie Restaurant and Gourmet Market?
My job as Director of Sales for Bottega Louie is to continue to grow our business beyond our current $23 million revenue. I am in charge of all catering, events, marketing, business development and sourcing additional lines of revenue. I attend networking events and travel when necessary.
Q: What advice would you give to current Hospitality and Event Management students who are getting ready to look for jobs?
The best advice I would give to current Hospitality Management students would be to build your network and learn the power of connections. Always follow up with your network and be sincere. Make sure to always be an active listener and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Hard work, dedication and commitment will always pay off. I recommend reading a book by Keith Ferrazzi called “Never Eat Alone.” I read this book on my flight to California and I do contribute everything I learned to my success today.
Q: How did the Hospitality and Event Management program prepare you for your career?
Kent State was truly the best years of my life. Our professors would never let us give up on our dreams and always pushed me to be the best student I could be. I still keep in touch with several 6 years later. My professors helped secure my internship that completely shaped my work ethic and dedication. Without my education and development at Kent State I could never be where I am today.