What was it like being thrust into the global spotlight after partaking in the TV series?
It was certainly much different than I expected. The wait for the show's release was long and at times a little nerve-racking, but once I was informed of the release date the anxiety began to build. I'm a humble guy so to receive tons of random messages from strangers who really enjoyed my cocktails and my style on the show was a bit overwhelming. I would get more notifications on my phone from friends and strangers alike in one day than I would probably get in a week or month. It was not necessarily a bad thing though. One of the best and most flattering moments was receiving messages from aspiring bartenders in other countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and some South American countries who wanted my help and advice on how to become a better bartender - some even asked if they could stage for me or be my barback. This was one of those abstract emotions that truly made the experience worth it.
How do you maintain balance with the vast influx in opportunities that have come your way since the show aired?
Balance is key. My life is already busy with 2 jobs, my family (my lovely partner Ash and our 2 dogs Odin and Silas), a new family-owned business, and me trying to make my dreams of being a bar owner in Fort Wayne a reality. The last thing I really want is to become inseparable from my phone and my computer - checking messages and emails and responding to every mention of me or comment about my time on the show. A good friend once told me that our phones come with this pretty cool feature - an 'OFF' button, or at the very least a 'Do-Not-Disturb' option. Honestly, I set a time every day that is around 6pm or so, and after that time I try my best to not respond to every email, message, or gig opportunity. Those things will be there the next day and I can reply later. Mental health is so much more important than some people realize, especially for those of us in the hospitality and people business. I cannot be the best version of myself for me or my circle of people if my mind isn't given a chance to rest and reboot.
What was it like being thrust into the global spotlight after partaking in the TV series?
It was certainly much different than I expected. The wait for the show's release was long and at times a little nerve-racking, but once I was informed of the release date the anxiety began to build. I'm a humble guy so to receive tons of random messages from strangers who really enjoyed my cocktails and my style on the show was a bit overwhelming. I would get more notifications on my phone from friends and strangers alike in one day than I would probably get in a week or month. It was not necessarily a bad thing though. One of the best and most flattering moments was receiving messages from aspiring bartenders in other countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and some South American countries who wanted my help and advice on how to become a better bartender - some even asked if they could stage for me or be my barback. This was one of those abstract emotions that truly made the experience worth it.
How do you maintain balance with the vast influx in opportunities that have come your way since the show aired?
Balance is key. My life is already busy with 2 jobs, my family (my lovely partner Ash and our 2 dogs Odin and Silas), a new family-owned business, and me trying to make my dreams of being a bar owner in Fort Wayne a reality. The last thing I really want is to become inseparable from my phone and my computer - checking messages and emails and responding to every mention of me or comment about my time on the show. A good friend once told me that our phones come with this pretty cool feature - an 'OFF' button, or at the very least a 'Do-Not-Disturb' option. Honestly, I set a time every day that is around 6pm or so, and after that time I try my best to not respond to every email, message, or gig opportunity. Those things will be there the next day and I can reply later. Mental health is so much more important than some people realize, especially for those of us in the hospitality and people business. I cannot be the best version of myself for me or my circle of people if my mind isn't given a chance to rest and reboot.
