FOOD PATRONUS | Braised Short Ribs

EDUCATION | I actually have a degree in Audio Engineering. I love all types of art including music. As far as cooking goes, I learned from great people I've worked with over the last 16 years.

BACKGROUND CHECK | I grew up in San Clemente, CA which is a well-known surf town in South Orange County. I've always been an artist and athlete. I played a lot of basketball growing up and loved the competition and seeing improvement in my skills with dedication and hard work. My older brother enjoyed cooking but my stepdad was the skilled cook of the family. He always had Food Network on TV and I started to enjoy learning the science of it. Working in kitchens is very similar to being on a sports team, I love the camaraderie and executing under pressure for a common goal. I was lucky to have Chef's and Business Owners as Mentors early in my career and I just continued to push myself to improve as a leader and Chef.

My first job was scooping Ice Cream at Rite-Aid on the day that I turned 16. I actually got my drivers license on the same day. I started at independently owned restaurants and ventured out to luxury hotels and resorts, high-volume corporate restaurants, cruise lines, some task force, and consulting. I've worked in Laguna Beach, Santa Monica, Seattle, Alaska, Savannah, Nashville, Charleston, and Naples.

I started with New Waterloo in 2023. The team and I re-opened Rainbird, El Capitan's flagship restaurant in just a few weeks after my arrival. We've revamped everything F&B including our Cafe, Native Son, Banquets, and The Mainzer restaurant which has a beautiful theater and cinema.

HOSPITALITY PHILOSOPHY | One Team, One Dream

FAVE THING ABOUT NW | I feel like I have the freedom to create and make changes I think are necessary for a common goal. This is a nice culture and the motto, "Have Fun, Be Nice" rings true.

SUPER POWERS | I can predict the future (in kitchens)