in cities across the country
Austin. Chicago. Milwaukee. New Orleans.
Our partners
Amanda
Rockman
Austin, Texas
Amanda is a classically trained pastry chef. A career filled with high profile restaurant and hotel openings has molded Amanda into one of the most talented operators and innovators on the Austin, Texas Hospitality scene. Amanda embodies the entrepreneurial spirit; she excels at building positive, solution-orientated team cultures and in creating original concepts that provide guests with classic, crave-able offerings.
Superpowers: The Opener, Multi-unit operations, Brand development, Team building
Erling
Wu-Bower
Chicago, Illinois
Erling is the chef you always want to be around: he builds strong teams based in comradery and true friendships. He makes you believe in your own strengths and evolution. All the while, he challenges and pushes every system and idea to be the best version of itself. Erling’s unrelenting creative spirit remains grounded in an equally strong passion for streamlined operations.
Superpowers: Ultimate team builder, Project management, The Closer, Creative vision
Jess
Syburg
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Jess embodies the concept of sustainability in a hospitality setting. She believes that kindness to employees, clients and the earth will determine the success of a hospitality enterprise. Jess combines her embrace of a healthy ecosystem with a fierce business ethic and expert sales strategy.
Superpowers: Project management, Sales strategy, Large event production, Planet warrior, People’s champion
Josh
Tilden
New Orleans, Louisiana
Josh represents a rare professional blend: an intense curiosity driving him to understand and innovate operational systems, and a knack for mentoring and inspiring those with whom he works with. Josh is a cautious businessman. His innovative and creative energy are tempered by a thorough understanding of the risks and realities of the hospitality space.
Superpowers: Financial acumen, Holistic operational understanding, Systems, Mentorship
10,000 hours
61 combined years in the hospitality industry
4.5 million guests served
28 concepts opened
4 James Beard Foundation Nominations
1- 3 Star Michelin, 1- 2 Star Michelin, 6- Michelin Bib Gourmands
$234 million of revenue managed
68 TV Appearances: Top Chef, Beat Bobby Flay, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, VICE TV
7 hotels worked for
18 years experience working in hotels
44 different bars and restaurants worked for
52 years experience working in management positions
8 years experience working in non-profits
5 board positions held
12 businesses owned
2- Zagat 30 under 30, 1- Bon Appetit Best New Restaurant, 1-Eater Best New Restaurant, 1- Esquire Best New Restaurant , 3- Jean Banchet Awards
1- 5 Star 5 Diamond Hotel, and 1- Relais Chateaux Restaurant
2 Bachelors of Arts, 1 Bachelor of Science, and 1 Associate of Occupational Studies degrees
3 kids and 3.5 pets
600+ vinyl albums (and still working on our collection!)
48 house plants owned