Five Things I learned in the Hospitality Program at James Madison University

Jake Winters

Graduating Senior

May 2014

My name is Jake Winters

I graduated from James Madison University this past May with a Hospitality Management

Major and a Business Minor.

• For my capstone project I planned and executed a 128 plate formal dinner as Back of House Manager

• I was able to contribute to my team with a good financial understanding , proficient Microsoft Excel skills, and my love for cooking

• Throughout two semesters I learned about teamwork and what it was like to work in a pressure environment with multiple personalities

Increased Responsibilities

I Learn Best by Doing

For all the course work I did, nothing taught me more than my hands-on experiences.

I excel in the work place where I have used my competitive nature and my learning style to

my advantage.

• My capstone project, a “Hakuna Matata” themed dinner, included the development and defense of a formal FinOpanalysis Excel file for a $4,200 food and beverage budget

• I was primarily responsible for the financials which included work in budgeting, contingency planning, ingredient file, cost cards, yields, adjusted unit costs, % of costs, a purchase order and for day of event unforeseen expenses– This all was put into a 50 page live formula Excel file– ASK ME TO SEE IT!!!

• It can be implemented in any food and beverage operation.

Formal P & L Coursework

Wine Certification

• I’ve taken 2 semesters of extensive SWE wine classes to prepare for my Certified Specialist of Wine test

• I expect to receive my CSW certification in the fall/winter of 2014

And the Most Important Thing I Learned…

The last three summers I worked hands-on in a “children with autism” program

where I thrived

I realize that my love of helping others will foster me in just about anything that I do

My final semester, there’s me second from the end with Back of House Manager responsibilities

Look to my 60 second autobiography

For a better understanding of the person that I am.

Trips to the Caribbean gave me a love for hospitality.

Please contact me at-

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobwinters/

(845) 325-3111

jwinters101@gmail.com