Today we’d like to introduce you to Woody van Horn.
With a diverse background in Operations Management, Woody has spent the last 12 years as a General Manager, Wine Director, Service Manager, Sommelier, Captain, and Consultant, and 20+ years in the hospitality industry, working at some of the best restaurants and hotels in the country, earning numerous certifications, degrees, and recognition from the top institutions in the hospitality. In addition to the hospitality industry, Woody spent six years in tech/operations, both in the military and private sectors to include telecom, ballistic missile defense, and anti-submarine warfare.
Woody, a California native, is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America and accredited through The Court of Master Sommeliers and Cornell School of Hotel Administration.
Woody’s portfolio includes manages private clientele needs through his Consulting Agency, WvH Hospitality LLC, President of Woody’s for Knife Cuts, as well as a member of Board of Advisors for SommCon, and Trailblazer with Eaze.
Leveraging his vast experience in nearly every facet of the hospitality industry, Woody is now working with specific clients in a consulting role to bring their restaurants, events, businesses and products to the next level.
Has it been a smooth road?
In 2008, the luxury economy took a big hit and I was faced with deciding my next move. I had spent the prior two years working my way up at The Grand Del Mar. Our business levels shifted and I decided it was a good idea to continue my education.
This was when I decided to use my GI Bill and was accepted to culinary school at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Restaurant Operations & Hospitality Industry Task Force.
Strategic Operations Management Systems and Practices, I understand and know this is the only way to really have a handle on your prime costs. I will set your business up with systems and best practices, coupled with API data sourced from your POS and integrated with your current accounting team. I will integrate your manager log, scheduling app, time clock, payroll, and invoice life cycle all into one dashboard accessible by both desktop and mobile app.
Woody’s for Knife Cuts ⛑ – First Aid for Kitchens
First Aid specifically for knife cuts. Woody’s for Knife Cuts, was started by Woody van Horn in 2018. After 20+ years in the hospitality industry, Woody wanted to create a better way to distribute first aid supplies in the kitchen. Frustrated with the average first aid kit, Woody developed a simple and easy to use solution. No more wasted supplies on the floor. No more wondering if you have the supplies truly needed for your kitchen team. Provide your staff with the supplies needed, and get them back to their task quickly. Easy to access with one hand and designed to keep supplies organized and sanitary. No more bleeding all over the other supplies and no more wasted finger cots and bandages all over the floor.
Kiki’s Night Cleaners – Referral Agent
For years, I have worked with and recommended Kiki’s Night Cleaners to many of my clients. Contact me to find out how to budget your cleaning expenses and janitorial needs. Outsourcing these duties can improve prime cost.
Monday 📝- Mental Mise en Place Specialist
This app has changed my business and bandwidth overnight. If you like organization and collaboration, this app will change your life.
Trainual 📝- SOP Development & Implementation Specialist
One simple app to organize your processes, automate your training, and build the foundation for a scalable business.
SommCon 🍾 – Cellar Master & Advisory Board Member
SommCon® is a leading conference and exposition for sommelier-level education and training of wine professionals and serious enthusiasts.
The conference brings together industry professionals of all levels to discuss, develop, and lead the conversation on the business of wine. SommCon’s® education is built by Sommeliers for trade professionals and serious enthusiasts who have a passion for wine and spirits and an unyielding quest for knowledge. Attendees learn and taste their way through keynote sessions and educational classes, complete with a trade-only tasting and expo.
Eaze 🌱 – Trailblazer
Brand Ambassador for the leading Cannabis Delivery & Distribution Company
Petrossian 🥄 – Caviar Ambassador
Private Cellar Management
One of my specialties is cellar management for private clientele. Cataloging, inventory, sourcing, and wine list management. I will individually barcode your collection and give you hard copy, digital, and app-based inventory management solutions. I will evaluate your storage locations, collection, and your preferences, then create an inventory system built specifically for you and your collection.
Private Event Management
I know how to throw a party. Let’s talk.
United States Navy – Veteran
Kitchens for Good – Advisory Board Member
Art Institute of California – Professional Advisory Committee
Chaine Des Rôtisseurs – Maitre d Hotelier
Society Mondial du Vin – Professional du Vin
American Institute of Food and Wine – Member
James Beard Foundation – Member
Guild of Sommeliers – Member
Court of Master Sommeliers – Certified Sommelier
TIPS – Certified TIPS Trainer
Pebble Beach Food & Wine – Guest Sommelier
Los Angeles Food & Wine – Guest Sommelier
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Our city is great. I grew up in Encinitas, but have worked all over the US. San Diego is a tourist destination, so we are always opening new restaurants to attract locals and tourists.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.woodyvanhorn.com
- Phone: 760.845.0566
- Email: me@woodyvanhorn.com
- Instagram: @woodyvanhorn
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/atmosphereengineer
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