Josh Hillam
Hospitality & Beverage Specialist
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Dynamic hospitality professional with a proven track record, excelling in beverage preparation and customer service. Recognized for enhancing guest satisfaction through creative mixology and effective communication. Skilled in training staff and managing high-volume service, consistently delivering exceptional experiences and fostering loyal clientele.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender
Spurs Club
12.2025 - Current
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet member needs.
- Serve high guest volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Contribute to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Perform opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, and taking inventory.
- Develop loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversations.
- Reduce wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Increase member satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Organize bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Handle simultaneous member, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Support special events through attentive service, adapting quickly to varying needs of the members.
- Educate members on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences.
- Assist with staff training, sharing expertise in bartending techniques and customer service.
Server Trainer
Tokyo Cowboy
06.2024 - Current
- Train new team members on restaurant procedures, menu items, and performance strategies.
- Demonstrate strong knowledge of food and beverage service standards and led by example to instill in new servers.
- Enhance guest satisfaction by providing efficient and friendly service during peak hours.
- Monitor new server performance and offer continuous support throughout training period.
- Provided feedback and guidance to help servers develop industry skills and knowledge.
- Instructed servers on proper techniques for taking orders, serving food and providing guest service.
- Lead by example, demonstrating exemplary guest service and work ethic, setting high standard for trainees.
- Foster culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback on training programs and making necessary adjustments.
- Develop strong relationships with regular guests, encouraging repeat business and loyalty to the establishment.
- Implement upselling techniques, boosting overall revenue for the restaurant.
Bartender
Omni Hotels & Resorts
01.2023 - 04.2024
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Enhanced overall guest experience by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
- Resolved guest complaints with empathy and professionalism, turning potentially negative experiences into positive ones.
Server
Nonna Osteria
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Developed strong rapport with regular guests through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
Server
Silo Prime
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention on guests needs.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular guests.
- Addressed guest complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
Bartender
Signature Restaurant
01.2021 - 11.2021
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
- Enhanced guest experience with engaging conversations and personalized drink recommendations.
- Adapted to fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple drink orders simultaneously without compromising quality.
- Enhanced establishment's reputation, consistently receiving positive feedback on customer satisfaction surveys.
- Boosted beverage sales, designing and promoting range of signature cocktails.
- Enhanced dining experience, suggesting food and drink pairings that complemented menu offerings.
Assistant Sommelier
Campo at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
01.2018 - 07.2020
- Contributed to positive guest experiences by addressing concerns or complaints promptly and professionally.
- Managed inventory effectively, ensuring optimal stock levels while minimizing waste through proper storage techniques.
- Participated in menu planning meetings with chefs, offering input on complementary flavors between dishes and wines.
- Mentored junior staff members in proper serving etiquette, enhancing overall service quality within the establishment.
- Regularly attended industry events such as wine shows or conferences, expanding professional networks and staying informed about new releases or emerging trends in the wine world.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by providing impeccable wine recommendations tailored to individual preferences and meal choices.
- Assisted in the development of a diverse and extensive wine list, contributing to the restaurant''s reputation for high-quality selections.
Head Bartender
Kelly’s Brew Pub
08.2015 - 03.2020
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, preserving the establishment''s reputation for excellent service.
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to discuss performance goals, share feedback, and foster teamwork among employees.
- Implemented drink prep procedures, significantly reducing wasted stock.
- Collaborated with management to create seasonal cocktail menus, driving sales and offering fresh options for guests.
Front of House Manager
Nob Hill Bar & Grill
02.2012 - 08.2015
- Performed cash handling activities and secured nightly bank deposits.
- Maintained positive team environment by encouraging teamwork and respect in accordance with company mission.
- Managed day-to-day FOH operations to drive quality, standards, and meet customer expectations.
- Developed and maintained relationships with vendors and other business partners to establish trust and build rapport.
- Resolved guests complaints while maintaining positive customer environment.
Office Manager
Alpha Alarm
04.2009 - 12.2011
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Coordinated office events and meetings, ensuring timely execution and optimal scheduling for all participants.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Conducted regular inventory assessments of office supplies, ordering necessary items proactively to prevent stock shortages.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for cost savings while maintaining high-quality services.
- Assisted in the recruitment process, conducting interviews and onboarding new employees to promote a seamless integration into the team dynamic.
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
Bartender
Olive Garden
09.2006 - 04.2009
- Increased repeat customer numbers, creating welcoming atmosphere and remembering regulars' favorite drinks.
- Contributed to event success, planning beverage menus and efficiently serving large groups.
- Handled cash and card transactions accurately, reducing discrepancies and balancing till at end of each shift.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of cocktail recipes and preparation techniques, ensuring high-quality beverage menu.
- Improved team morale and efficiency, leading by example and offering support during peak hours.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, routinely checking and documenting bar cleanliness and equipment functionality.
- Managed inventory to prevent shortages, conducting weekly stock checks and placing timely orders.
- Trained new staff on bar procedures, cocktail recipes, and customer service standards, ensuring consistent service quality.
Education
High School Diploma -
Hurricane High School
Hurricane, UTAssociate of Science - Architecture
Dixie State University
St. George, UTSkills
Beverage preparation
Payment processing
Suggestive selling
Food service
Menu memorization
Customer service
Classic cocktails
Customer service expertise
Outgoing personality
Strong multitasking
Team player attitude
Clear and effective communication
Engaging personality
Team training and development
Creative mixology
Complex Problem-solving
Staff management
Service-oriented mindset
Affiliations
Volunteer weekly at Triple H Equitherapy, spending time with different groups at the ranch. Primarily spending my time with the troubled teens and at risk youth.
Timeline
Bartender
Spurs Club
12.2025 - Current
Server Trainer
Tokyo Cowboy
06.2024 - Current
Bartender
Omni Hotels & Resorts
01.2023 - 04.2024
Server
Nonna Osteria
01.2022 - 12.2022
Server
Silo Prime
01.2022 - 12.2022
Bartender
Signature Restaurant
01.2021 - 11.2021
Assistant Sommelier
Campo at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
01.2018 - 07.2020
Head Bartender
Kelly’s Brew Pub
08.2015 - 03.2020
Front of House Manager
Nob Hill Bar & Grill
02.2012 - 08.2015
Office Manager
Alpha Alarm
04.2009 - 12.2011
Bartender
Olive Garden
09.2006 - 04.2009
High School Diploma -
Hurricane High School
Associate of Science - Architecture
Dixie State University