THL: What are your other gigs and interests?

I write for St. Louis' Feast Magazine, I'm a member of a traveling, themed, cocktail group called Drink Lab. I am a member and officer in the United States Bartenders' Guild.

THL: What is something that best represents your personality?

Easy going, down to earth, while still being like the honey badger.

THL: What is your bartending style?

I can make you a Fox River while you're finishing your Chardonnay, I'm cheers-ing the birthday girl and her group with shots of Fernet, polishing glasses, taking orders from guest, while making suggestions to others, and then whatever else your heart desires.

THL: How do you find inspiration for new cocktails and recipes?

Seasonal ingredients, classics, tweaking older creations, new products on the market, and my years running kitchens.

THL: Besides bartending, what things do you do well?

Managing people, inspiring creativity, writing about booze, cooking, cleaning, and just being a good friend.

THL: Ever had any strange customer requests while bartending?

Someone told me, "meet us here," and my tip was a hotel room key. I did NOT go collect payment.

THL: What is your favorite after-shift drink?

Jim Beam with a Budweiser back.

THL: What is the one thing you can’t live without from your home liquor cabinet?

I don't drink at home. I just collect old, unopened bottles.

THL: What is the most underrated cocktail?

The Bee's Knees. It's so simple and it's the "gateway" cocktail. I've converted many a life-long vodka drinker into gin drinkers with this one. Once I did that, they were open to anything I put in front of them. Trust was earned.

THL: What is the test of a great bartender?

Of all the people that come into your place, how many leave with a smile and return with friends and new faces? If that is what you see at your place of employment and you see the cycle continuing, you're passing the test.