Experience
2024 - Present
Co-Founder
Feed Love LALos Angeles, CA
2020 - Present
Co-Founder, Treasurer and Member Services Chair
Independent Hospitality CoalitionLos Angeles, CA
2013 - 2015
Assistant to Chairman
Dyrdek Enterprises, Inc.Los Angeles, CA
2008 - 2009
SVP, Strategy and Operations
WS Games LLCLos Angeles, CA
2007 - 2008
VP, Corporate Initiatives
Brash EntertainmentLos Angeles, CA
2003 - 2007
Assistant to CEO
Level Global InvestorsLos Angeles, CA
2005 - 2005
Chief of Staff to Sean Combs
Bad Boy EntertainmentLos Angeles, CA
2002 - 2003
Investor Relations
Quadrangle GroupLos Angeles, CA
2000 - 2001
Equity Research Associate
Morgan StanleyLos Angeles, CA
1998 - 2000
VP, Capital Markets
Bank of America SecuritiesSan Francisco, CA
Education
BA, Political Science
University of California - San DiegoSan Diego, CA
Advice from Dina Samson
Quotes about career path, skills, and teamwork from an industry leader.
To me, being in the restaurant industry is the most personal career you can have.
If you are only giving a part of yourself, it will show in whatever you do. If you are cooking without your heart, your food will be lackluster. If you are serving without a love for service, your guests will reciprocate your behavior. For me, I love that I can see the direct result of my work through our guests and community - a clear reflection of what I have put in. I can't think of any other career where there is that instant gratification from your efforts.
I used to work quickly to get things done and get them off my plate.
I've learned to sleep on things so that I can make sure I have given the decision some time to breathe. This way I know I have not acted reactionary or impulsively.
I always look for opportunities for my team members to learn and contribute.
I don't like to just ask them to do something for me. I like to explain the reason why we are doing things. This way they are able to inject their own ideas and suggestions and we end up with a better outcome that we can all get behind.
I can't live without my partners; my husband Steve, who is also our chef, and our partner Hans Luttmann, who is my grounding force.
I always say we are the perfect trio because we all have different skill sets, personality characteristics yet we abide by the same set of core values.
I've been through a couple of entrepreneurial accelerator classes this past year and have found them so interesting and not just the curriculum.
More so, the networking with people has been the most educational. I get to learn of their successes, failures, trials and tribulations. This education has become ongoing because of the relationships we have built.
Roles in Service
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