Taylor MacDonald
Woodbury,WV
Summary
I am a proactive employee with 20+ years of experience in team leadership in the restaurant, hospitality and brewing industries. Background includes sales, management, and front and back-of-house operations. Highly dedicated to making the business stand out, first and foremost. I have excellent problem-solving skills to provide the quickest and most efficient positive results. I have hands-on experience in most brewery positions, and can adapt to new methods and execution very quickly. I am an individual who thrives under work pressure, seeing it as a challenge and new experience rather than stress. While being a good communicator and leading through example and proper training, I have regard of co-workers and others feelings through empathy and care.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Brewer
Barrel Theory Beer Company
Saint Paul, MN
11.2022 - Current
- Personally perform and oversee the day-to-day production of wort and beer.
- Goal-oriented problem-solving to maintain a timely schedule, as well as a quality product.
- Communicate effectively with the Head Brewer on recipes and inventory.
- Daily duties include milling in grain, mashing in, tank CIP's, dry hopping, transfers, graining out, packaging, adjuncts for brite beers, washing kegs, harvesting yeast, and checking fermentation progress.
- Work well with a third-party packaging company in close detail about product specs for maximum quality and yield.
- Attention to detail regarding cleanliness and sanitation.
- Understanding of brewhouse and taproom equipment, and can perform maintenance when needed.
- Keeping accurate logs of product specs, such as ABV, pH, carbonation levels, dissolved oxygen, and hop and adjunct amounts.
- Update the sales and taproom teams on available packaged inventory.
Production Manager
J. Wakefield Brewing
Miami, FL
03.2020 - 10.2022
- Managed daily coordination between brew and cellar teams.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Oversaw canning and bottling line operations, including setup, sanitation, high-quality product specifications, cleanliness, maintenance, and teardown.
- Maintained equipment with a high level of cleanliness and organization.
- Daily duties included CIPs, tank setup and breakdown, dry hopping, transfers, adjuncting for brite beers, packaging (kegs, cans, bottles), checking fermentation progress, washing kegs, order building, and inventory.
- Worked closely with the Head Brewer to maintain accurate communication regarding the brewing schedule, packaging numbers, and order delivery.
- Kept accurate logs of product specs, such as yeast cell counts, ABV, pH, carbonation levels, dissolved oxygen, and hop and adjunct amounts.
- Communicated effectively with the cellar team to perform the most time-sensitive tasks for the day, then moved on to lesser projects if time permitted.
- Organizing barrel warehouse using pallet jack and forklift.
Bartender Shift Manager
Invasive Species Brewing
Fort Lauderdale, FL
10.2018 - 03.2020
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies, and placed orders for beer and wine.
- Promoted a positive work atmosphere through clear communication, teamwork encouragement, and recognition of employee achievements.
- Successfully resolved customer complaints, demonstrating strong conflict resolution skills and commitment to client satisfaction.
- Maintained the draught system with routine cleaning and maintenance.
- Kept accurate inventory of merchandise and glassware.
Bartender
Barrel Theory Beer Company
Saint Paul, Minnesota
05.2017 - 09.2018
- Built a solid rapport with many frequent patrons to cultivate guest loyalty.
- Poured drinks using standard pour according to specifications.
- Cleaned, mopped and vacuumed the bar area.
- Served each guest courteously, quickly and efficiently.
- Followed all safety requirements for alcohol service and kept a list of available ride services for inebriated customers.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage service.
- Adhered to good manufacturing practices and standard operating procedures.
- Knowledge of use and proper standards for Micromatic and other tap systems.
- Lifted and maneuvered kegs weighing up to 160 pounds.
- Operation and maintenance of American Master Sealer and proper canning procedures for beer packaging.
- Set up and breakdown of keg manifold and keg filling operations.
- Proper cleaning and storage of kegs and taplines.
Education
High School Diploma - undefined
Cooper City High School
9401 Stirling Rd, Cooper City, FL 333282003
Skills
- Service-oriented
- Strong work ethic
- Natural leader
- Passion for customer satisfaction
- Results-oriented
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Food service background
- Point of sale (POS) system operation
- Staff scheduling
- Safety awareness
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment
- Sanitation requirements
- Quick learner
- Effectively conveying messages and understanding others
- Highly organized
Certification
- Safe Staff Certified
Additional Information
Currently a full-time brewer and full-time father, I love spending time outdoors during the nicer months with my partner, Whitney, and our two children.
Work References
Maria Cabre
Head Brewer - J. Wakefield Brewing
305-989-8956
Krister Copeland
Regional Manager - Iron Heart Packaging
651-508-0450
Personal References
Joshua Silver, Esq.
Attorney at Law
954-609-6070
Billy Gall
Owner @ Flash Freeze Air
954-253-7650
Timeline
Lead Brewer
Barrel Theory Beer Company
11.2022 - Current
Production Manager
J. Wakefield Brewing
03.2020 - 10.2022
Bartender Shift Manager
Invasive Species Brewing
10.2018 - 03.2020
Bartender
Barrel Theory Beer Company
05.2017 - 09.2018
High School Diploma - undefined
Cooper City High School