Vern Lakusta
Managing Director at Harvest Inn- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Gillian Thomson
Vern is a great food and beverage professional who I worked with on the integration and launch of Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood. He recruited the team of over 150 employees, oversaw the latter stage project management of the design and build, worked closely with the landlord and partner to seamlessly integrate two businesses to one from a guest perspective and opened the business. All whilst his direct line manager was based in New York and head office / creative direction and style was coming from London. He has exceptional patience, is extremely hard working and has an eye for detail. Particular strengths include the management of people, ability to follow up, understanding of the market and the ability to communicate effectively and with relevancy. I would have no hesitation in recommending Vern.
Gillian Thomson
Vern is a great food and beverage professional who I worked with on the integration and launch of Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood. He recruited the team of over 150 employees, oversaw the latter stage project management of the design and build, worked closely with the landlord and partner to seamlessly integrate two businesses to one from a guest perspective and opened the business. All whilst his direct line manager was based in New York and head office / creative direction and style was coming from London. He has exceptional patience, is extremely hard working and has an eye for detail. Particular strengths include the management of people, ability to follow up, understanding of the market and the ability to communicate effectively and with relevancy. I would have no hesitation in recommending Vern.
Gillian Thomson
Vern is a great food and beverage professional who I worked with on the integration and launch of Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood. He recruited the team of over 150 employees, oversaw the latter stage project management of the design and build, worked closely with the landlord and partner to seamlessly integrate two businesses to one from a guest perspective and opened the business. All whilst his direct line manager was based in New York and head office / creative direction and style was coming from London. He has exceptional patience, is extremely hard working and has an eye for detail. Particular strengths include the management of people, ability to follow up, understanding of the market and the ability to communicate effectively and with relevancy. I would have no hesitation in recommending Vern.
Gillian Thomson
Vern is a great food and beverage professional who I worked with on the integration and launch of Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood. He recruited the team of over 150 employees, oversaw the latter stage project management of the design and build, worked closely with the landlord and partner to seamlessly integrate two businesses to one from a guest perspective and opened the business. All whilst his direct line manager was based in New York and head office / creative direction and style was coming from London. He has exceptional patience, is extremely hard working and has an eye for detail. Particular strengths include the management of people, ability to follow up, understanding of the market and the ability to communicate effectively and with relevancy. I would have no hesitation in recommending Vern.
Experience
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Harvest Inn
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United States
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Hospitality
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1 - 100 Employee
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Managing Director
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Jul 2021 - Present
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Hotel E Santa Rosa
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Brazil
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Hospitality
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1 - 100 Employee
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General Manager - Hotel E
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Aug 2018 - Jul 2021
Opening General Manager for this 4-Star boutique hotel located in the epicenter of Sonoma Wine County. This iconic beaux arts structure has been a landmark in downtown Santa Rosa since 1908 and features 39 luxurious rooms, 1000 sq feet of flexible meeting space and lobby level Enology Lounge featuring a 100% Sonoma focused wine and beer program. Phase 2 (Covid brought this phase to a stop) was to feature 71 additional rooms including 2 rooftop suites, rooftop deck and café, 3 meal restaurant serving classic American food, coffee shop and health club. Show less
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Assistant General Manager
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Jan 2018 - Jul 2018
AAA 4 Diamond property 495 rooms 35,000 square feet of banquet space AAA 4 Diamond property 495 rooms 35,000 square feet of banquet space
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Executive Director of Hotel Operations
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Jan 2012 - Dec 2017
Executive Director of Hotel Operations Interm General Manager Director of Food and Beverage Forbes 4-star property 380 rooms 50,000 square feet of banquet space Executive Director of Hotel Operations Interm General Manager Director of Food and Beverage Forbes 4-star property 380 rooms 50,000 square feet of banquet space
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W Hotel Los Angeles - Westwood
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United States
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Hospitality
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director of Food and Beverage
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Aug 2010 - Jan 2012
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AGM - Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdales South Coast Plaza
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Jan 2010 - Jul 2010
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Director of Food and Beverage
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Feb 2008 - May 2009
AAA 4 diamond property 200 rooms 15,000 square feet of banquet space & Michelin Starred Dining Room AAA 4 diamond property 200 rooms 15,000 square feet of banquet space & Michelin Starred Dining Room
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Fairmont Miramar Hotel Santa Monica
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United States
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Hospitality
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Director of Food and Beverage
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Jul 2005 - Jan 2008
AAA 4 diamond property 300 rooms 25,000 square feet of banquet space AAA 4 diamond property 300 rooms 25,000 square feet of banquet space
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Director of Banquets
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Jan 2004 - Jul 2005
AAA 4 diamond property800 rooms75,000 square feet of banquet space
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Director of Restaurants
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Mar 2002 - Jan 2004
AAA 4 diamond property800 rooms75,000 square feet of banquet space
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Education
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Toronto Metropolitan University
Bachelor of Commerce, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management -
Court of Master Sommeliers
Level 1
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