Gary Kaikaka
Santa Barbara County,CA
Summary
Knowledgeable and personable Sommelier excels at upselling through professional knowledge and hospitality. Creates balanced yet characteristic wine list with passion and commitment, delivering exceptional level of guest service. Professional Sommelier with progressive experience in fine dining establishments. Skilled at training staff to highest standards of customer service. Superior communication skills and record of making sound decisions in high-pressure work environments.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CEO
SSAM Inc Family Rebuilder
Davenport, FL
02.2018 - 02.2021
- CEO of Non Profit 501-c3
- Family rebuilding specialist, specifically chartering and guiding trips to reunite and rebuild mental health of disabled Veterans and their families life.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary.
- Educated clients and families on tools to communicate better and negotiate issues for improved family relationships.
Sommelier
Disney
Orlando, FL
01.1997 - 02.2018
- Fine Dining Sommelier and Server at Disney California Grill.
- Recommended bottles from the cellar based on customer preference and budget constraints.
- Conducted staff training sessions on proper wine service procedures.
- Assisted customers with selecting appropriate wines for their meals or special occasions.
- Reviewed wine list regularly in line with current trends, list appeals to diverse customer base.
- Organized regular tastings and educational seminars in order to promote new products to customers.
- Shared wine knowledge with employees, encouraging team to develop wine knowledge through regular training sessions.
Airborne Combat Engineer
US Army
Fort Bragg, NC
02.1986 - 12.1996
- Inspected and maintained combat engineer equipment. Airborne Paratrooper
- Identified hazardous objects such as unexploded ordnance or improvised explosive devices.
- Conducted reconnaissance operations to identify terrain features and potential threats.
Education
Airborne Rigger, Halo, Combat Engineer - Airborne
United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning
North Carolina01-1996
General Studies
Oak Grove High School
San Jose, CASkills
- Special Events
- Vendor Negotiations
- Menu Development
- Food Handling
- Upselling
- Table Setting
- Guest Relations Management
- Food Safety Standards
- Team Leadership
- Cleaning and Sanitizing
- Professionalism
- Adaptable and Flexible
- Wine Pairings
- Point of Sale Systems
- Reservation Management
- Professional Appearance
- Team Building and Motivation
- Exceptional Customer Service
- Cash Handling Experience
- Strong Leadership Abilities
Certification
- Licensed Sommelier
Soldier of The Year
- Received soldier of the year and various other military awards
Server of The Year
- Received Disney's Fine Dining Server of The Year award.
Timeline
CEO
SSAM Inc Family Rebuilder
02.2018 - 02.2021
Sommelier
Disney
01.1997 - 02.2018
Airborne Combat Engineer
US Army
02.1986 - 12.1996
Airborne Rigger, Halo, Combat Engineer - Airborne
United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning
General Studies
Oak Grove High School
Similar Profiles
Lila LoupLila Loup
Babysitter at Castle Family, Tennis Family, Sim’s FamilyBabysitter at Castle Family, Tennis Family, Sim’s Family
Jeanine HughesJeanine Hughes
Private Nanny at The Pape Family, The Hee Family, The Zita FamilyPrivate Nanny at The Pape Family, The Hee Family, The Zita Family
Maddison RussellMaddison Russell
Babysitter at Family Friends - Newell Family, Seaborne FamilyBabysitter at Family Friends - Newell Family, Seaborne Family
Mateo ArreguinMateo Arreguin
Pet Sitter at Santa Barbara Pet SittersPet Sitter at Santa Barbara Pet Sitters
Pierre ClayPierre Clay
Occupational Therapist IV at Cottage HospitalOccupational Therapist IV at Cottage Hospital