Nicola Olianas eats and breathes hospitality. As an Italian native, his surroundings were always rooted in food and community. The lifestyle of learning, fostering communication, and appreciating nature were at the foundation of his journey. But as it can sometimes feel limiting, his insular Italian neighborhood couldn’t satisfy Nicola’s cultural and travel inspired appetite. After studying abroad and rooting his passion for hospitality with some academic feats, the greatest handshake yet occurred: forging his relationship with the Fratelli Branca family. We all know and love Fernet, but let’s dig a little deeper. We chat fatherhood, health, hosting, and more.
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Ep 248 – Dev Johnson: Stay patient, Stay Humble
Employee’s Only’s Dev Johnson is a LA native who’s drift away from acting led to a massive dedication to hospitality. As many actor’s find work far and few between, they seek out hospitality jobs to cover their expenses. Sometimes this empowers the career, and sometimes it creates a career change. Dev Johnson found that bartending became the perfect intersection of people skills and learning. Now years later, and one of the longest serving bartenders at Employee’s Only, what does patience, dedication, and humility do for your career? Bonus: we chat Monkey Shoulder with Vance Henderson.
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Ep 243 – Nathan Reffell: Well Respected Man About Town
Download The fashion-forward and hospitality focused Nathan Reffell has helped shape the Houston hospitality scene. As an ambassador for the gin and rum categories previously, his newly formed role with Grey Goose Vodka pairs his love of spirts with fashion. A student of the small Rowlett, Texas created larger aspirations for travel and in a way, customer service. Nate studied fashion design while learning that perhaps larger horizons emerged ahead. Now years later, his work with the USBG Houston chapter and other fine cocktail establishments in Houston make him the perfect man to bring the fine tastes of Grey Goose Vodka to a larger audience. We chat tailors, travel,…
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Ep 242 – Derek Posner: The Quintessential Man of Leisure
Download Whether you say lee-sure or leh-sure, Austin’s Derek Posner sets a great example on how to create balance in one’s life. Developing a brilliant work ethic at the early age of 16, Derek found his social calling and talent prosper in the hospitality industry. And after a short-lived stint in baseball, the decks aligned and proved that he was going to be a long term player in this massive industry. San Francisco promises started to run down and a fortuitous chapter in Austin began to emerge. Now, a few years in, Derek works for the beautiful innovative and terroir driven vodka, Grey Goose. With a suit and a…
