Marketing Introduction

The description can include, but should not be limited to your nickname, background, industry experience, career goals, hobbies, favorite links, and other interesting information about you.

Nickname: Jay, but only to those who've known me since 7th grade

Background: I grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where I lived until I was 20. I attended Louisiana State University and worked for the school newspaper, The Reveille http://www.lsureveille.com/, as well as at a local cafe. After Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana in Fall 2005, I wanted to try something a little different so I moved to Chicago for a year and a half, participating in a tuition-free state university exchange. Enduring one winter in Chicago was quite enough for me and I soon decided that I needed to live in a place where the sun shined more than 100 days out of the year. Vegas was calling my name! Soon after settling into my new place and checking out UNLV, I realized that I was in the perfect place to persue my hospitality goals... sunny, beautiful Las Vegas!

Industry Experience: I began working in a restaurant the day I turned 16 and I haven't left the industry since. I was first employed at a corporate Mexican cantina, then at a neighborhood cafe, then at a series of semi-fine dining establishments in Chicago, and now at a steakhouse in Vegas. By the end of the summer I plan to step up to restaurant management (and, unfortunately, down in pay), and I'm trying to absorb as much information and expertise as posible in the meantime.

Career Goals: Even though I like to believe that life has a unique way of positioning you where it may, I would ultimately like to become Vice President of Food and Beverage for a Las Vegas Strip property.

Hobbies: I enjoy learning about food, eating (I consider myself a professional diner), riding my bike, dancing (especially when no one is looking), studying, meeting interesting people, traveling, taking pictures, reading (when I find time), exercising (the eliptical can be one hell of a workout), and spending time with my family and loved ones.

Favorite Links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page, http://imdb.com/, and http://youtube.com/. Disclaimer= *I'm a pretty big nerd.

Other Interesting Information: I like to put fresh flowers in my hair, I take notes on life and I make lists hibitually, I am currently taking 23 hours, I have been to Hungry, I've passed my Level I Court of Master Sommeliers Exam (I am scheduled for the Level II this upcoming summer), and I am a manager for UNLVino this semester!