Wine & BeverageOffice & Admin

Damian Diaz

Co-Founder | No Us Without You, Va'La Hospitality & Finca Tachibana
Always lead by example. If you ask someone to do something, do not be unwilling to do that same action yourself. We are all humans striving for the same goal, and that is to be motivated towards a purpose. In sharing the same work environment, we as a team all float together or sink together. Be a leader. Lead by example.

Experience

2022 - Present
Co-Founder
Finca TachibanaLos Angeles, CA
2020 - Present
Co-Founder
No Us Without YouLos Angeles, CA
2018 - 2019
Bar Operator
Here and NowLos Angeles, CA
2018 - 2018
Bartender
Hotel FigueroaLos Angeles, CA
2017 - Present
Co-Founder
Va'La HospitalityLos Angeles, CA
2015 - 2018
Lead Bartender
Everson Royce BarLos Angeles, CA
2013 - 2015
Bartender
Yxta Cocina MexicanaLos Angeles, CA
2012 - 2015
Barback/Bartender
Icon LA Ultra LoungeLos Angeles, CA
2012 - 2013
Food Runner
Katsuya LA LiveLos Angeles, CA
2012 - 2012
Bartender
La Loteria Mexican RestaurantSanta Monica, CA
2010 - 2011
Server
2010 - 2010
Server
2006 - 2010
Dishwasher/Busser, Server, Food Runner

Education

Advice from Damian Diaz

Quotes about career path, skills, and teamwork from an industry leader.
I've learned that when something that you've worked very hard for doesn't go as expected, you must deal well under the pressure and keep pushing forward with your dignity in stride.
Pressure busts pipes, but it also makes diamonds.
I befriended a homeless man in my first year upon moving to LA from the Bay Area.
His name was Trayvon. He wasn't necessarily a mentor so much as he was a friend I admired. He is no longer with us anymore, but before passing, he taught me that there will always be someone out there that would love to exchange your problems with theirs. He gave me an infinite perspective that I will never forget.
It's okay for someone to not know everything that they're "supposed to".
Their work ethic outweighs anyone else who can push buttons and read spreadsheets. Transparency and honesty are more concrete traits that carve a person's character. Their willingness to learn something that is foreign or unfamiliar can carry them into the next round or into a higher position later on.
Aside from hard work, practicing patience everyday helps to manage our families' livelihoods.
If you say you work hard, match this patience with your work ethic. Remind yourself that understanding others is fueled by patience.
In retrospect, I accredit the love for being compassionate and hospitable towards my upbringing.
As a child, my family and I took numerous trips to Mexico, which later I learned (economically speaking) was very polarized. Life is far from fair. Seeing a nation's social divide throughout the years is a badge I've carried throughout my life.
I appreciate solitude.
The fabric of this stillness allows me to focus and approach any situation with clarity. Being clear headed enables my instincts and thus allows ideas and thoughts to flow. Follow what you feel is honest, fresh, and concrete. Never compromise.
WIthout a doubt, the one thing that I cannot live without in order to do my job is my team.
All members of our team allow for me to rest assured that things will get done. They push me as much as they inspire me. The No Us Without You team makes me proud everyday. Each one of our team members reminds me of why I fell in love with hospitality in the first place.

Roles in Wine & Beverage

Check out the newest job opportunities in your area and level up your career.

Bartender

West Hollywood, CA
Part Time
Sponsored
Apply$20/hr

Bartender

Santa Clarita, CA
Full/Part Time
 
Apply$17/hr

Barista

West Hollywood, CA
Part Time
 
Apply$21/hr

Bartender

Santa Monica, CA
Part Time
 
Apply$18/hr

Bartender

Los Angeles, CA
Full Time
 
Apply$18/hr

Head Bartender

Los Angeles, CA
Full Time
 
Apply$20-$25/hr

Explore More Culinary Leaders

  • Zachary Byers
    Owner, Director of Wine Education, Head Sommelier
    Wine Byers, Id Est Hospitality Group & The Wolf's Tailor
  • Thomas Maroulakos
    Chief Executive Officer
    Skopos Catering
  • Kim DiPalo
    Chief Development Officer
    Drive Change
  • Ivy Mix
    Bartender, Co-Owner; Co-Founder
    Whoopsie Daisy and Fiasco!; Speed Rack
  • Arjav Ezekiel
    Co-Owner and Beverage Director
    Birdie's
  • Lina Goujjane
    Co-Owner / Sommelier
    Kiko
  • Jhonatan Cano
    Director of Operations
    Bresca & Jônt
  • Neal Bodenheimer
    Managing Partner; Partner; Beverage Operations
    CureCo
  • Brent Braun
    General Manager, Partner, and Wine Director
    OK Omens and Post Familiar
  • Cedric Nicaise
    Co-Owner
    The Noortwyck, Oriana
  • Zach Rivera
    Partner
    Moonflower and Golden Years
  • Alex Jump
    Director of Operations
    Focus on Health
Find the latest compensation data across roles, experience levels, and locations.