About Us

The Industry Hospitality Consulting LLC - CEO / Founder

Josiah A.M Manzano is the CEO and Founder of The Industry Hospitality Consulting LLC. An accomplished hospitality professional, he brings extensive experience in large-scale operations across restaurants, bars, banquets, and catering services.

With a well-diversified background, Josiah has held leadership roles with some of the world’s top hotel brands, including Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), and Accor. His global career spans Singapore, Australia, and the United States, giving him a broad perspective on international hospitality standards and practices.

Josiah is highly skilled in P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, and developing marketing plans. He also has strong expertise in navigating union environments, with in-depth knowledge of Union Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA). In addition, his strong network within the hospitality industry provides him with extensive resources and connections, giving him a unique advantage in driving successful results.

Recognized for his proven track record in food and beverage management and hotel operations, Josiah is passionate about delivering innovative solutions that elevate guest experiences, streamline processes, and drive sustainable business growth.

Restaurant and Bar Operations Consultant

Marissa Weldon is a charismatic hospitality leader, recognized for her rapport-building skills and ability to create unforgettable guest experiences. With a versatile background spanning multiple hospitality disciplines, she expertly curates menus for all service periods and events.

Marissa has held notable positions including Director of Outlets at Hotel Oceana and General Manager at Nobu within Sensei Porcupine Creek. She also served as General Manager at Ardor Restaurant in The West Hollywood EDITION where she developed strong expertise in P&L management, marketing plans, forecasting, and budgeting.

Her professional strengths include process improvement, implementation of innovative ideas, sales strategy, and effective communication, making her a dynamic leader capable of driving operational excellence and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

CEO / Founder of Deep Roots Imports

Stefan Gagliano is a dynamic entrepreneur and seasoned hospitality professional, known for his passion for excellence and innovation. As CEO and Founder of Deep Roots Imports, he has achieved remarkable growth, cultivating strong relationships with esteemed producers and expanding the company’s reach in the beverage industry.

With extensive experience in beverage operations at Mr. C Hotels and Café San Pietro, Stefan consistently elevates operational standards while driving revenue growth. His entrepreneurial spirit, keen business acumen, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction distinguish him as a visionary leader in hospitality.

Stefan is also a certified Level II Court of Master Sommeliers, underscoring his expertise and authority in the world of fine beverages.

Hotel Beverage Program Expert

Alexandra Stern is a hospitality professional recognized for her ability to build strong relationships and leverage pricing strategies to drive business growth. She consistently delivers exceptional customer service while aligning sales performance with company objectives.

As part of the leadership team at Hotel Bel-Air, Alexandra worked closely with world-renowned chefs, honing her expertise in fine dining service. During her tenure at previous companies, she successfully increased sales revenue by spearheading a new restaurant opening and developing a successful wine program.

She also stands out as one of the top-performing account managers in distribution, with a vast industry network that enables her to connect suppliers, partners, and clients effectively.

Her diverse skill set includes beverage menu development, inventory management, and strategic beverage operations. Alexandra also holds professional certifications, including WSET Level 3 and Court of Master Sommeliers, underscoring her expertise and authority in the beverage industry.

Restaurant and Bar Beverage Program Expert

René Hartel is a dynamic professional with a proven track record in brand management, hospitality, and marketing. Certified with WSET Level 3, René has successfully built beverage programs for more than 100 bars and restaurants, designed revenue-generating activations, reduced beverage costs, and created programs for high-end restaurants and nightclubs.

René drives business growth through consumer and trade marketing initiatives, brand development, and strategic sales execution. Her extensive background includes leadership roles as a Regional Brand Ambassador, where she consistently surpassed sales goals while managing and inspiring teams.

With an entrepreneurial mindset, innovative approach, and strong relationship-building skills, René brings exceptional value to every project and partnership.

Restaurant and Bar Owner & Concept Consultant

Dave Whitton is a seasoned hospitality professional and spirits educator, recognized for elevating bar programs to flagship status through his expertise in cocktail creation and menu development. His influence spans the nation, with partnerships alongside some of the biggest brands in the market, reshaping more than 100 bar programs across the U.S.

From Seven Grand Whiskey Bar to the Sunset Marquis Hotel, Dave’s career reflects both depth of knowledge and dedication to the craft. His creativity is showcased in over 200 original cocktail menus, celebrated for their innovation and quality.

In addition to his consulting and education work, Dave is also the owner of Prank Bar, a restaurant and bar that highlights his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence.

Culinary Director

Chef Gel is a distinguished culinary professional with extensive experience in some of the world’s most renowned kitchens, including Restaurant Le Meurice by Alain Ducasse in Paris, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester in London, Le Restaurant at Maison Pic in Valence, Providence in Los Angeles, and Somni in Los Angeles.

She most recently served as the Interim Executive Chef at The Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air, where she oversaw R&D, menu creation, payroll, scheduling, and food cost monitoring, while managing the entire culinary team. Her leadership ensured operational excellence and continuous culinary innovation.

Gel’s background also includes key roles at The Cabana Cafe and The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel. She holds a Diploma from Le Cordon Bleu and a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, combining technical expertise with a strong academic foundation.

Culinary Director

Chef Melissa is the Executive Chef at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, overseeing the entire culinary operation, including menu development for banquet, restaurant, and bar programs. She previously served as Executive Sous Chef at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, where she led a dynamic team, managed expansive banquet and catering spaces, and directed multiple dining outlets.

Renowned for her exceptional leadership and mentorship, Chef Melissa ensures impeccable quality, consistency, and compliance across all operations. Her career includes esteemed roles at USC, The Beverly Hills Hotel, and The Peninsula Beverly Hills, showcasing her versatility across both luxury hotels and institutional settings.

A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Pasadena, Melissa’s distinguished career reflects a commitment to culinary excellence and innovation. Her extensive expertise in navigating Collective Bargaining Agreements across prominent union properties, paired with her sharp knowledge of large-scale operations, positions her as a formidable leader in the culinary industry.

Human Resources Consultant

Jenny Hernandez is a Human Resources professional with a strong background in employee relations, compliance, and talent acquisition. She currently serves as HR Manager at Murchison & Cumming Law Firm in Los Angeles, where she manages sensitive investigations, oversees recruitment, and ensures adherence to employment laws while supporting benefits administration.

Previously, Jenny held leadership roles as Assistant Director of Human Resources at Fairmont Century Plaza Hotels & Resorts and Senior Human Resources Manager at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, where she developed expertise in employee engagement, training, and policy development.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Loyola Marymount University and is SHRM-CP certified, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and continuous growth in the HR field.

Procurement Consultant

Maselina Taulanga served as the Director of Purchasing at InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, bringing over a decade of expertise in procurement and purchasing management within the hospitality industry. She oversees procurement for an 889-room hotel, managing supplies across multiple venues and 95,000 sq ft of event space, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency through hands-on negotiation and inventory monitoring.

Her previous roles include Purchasing Manager at Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles, where she managed procurement for a 683-room hotel, supervised a team, handled inventory, and prepared cost reports. She also served as Purchasing Manager at The Queen Mary, overseeing procurement for a 314-room hotel, negotiating vendor contracts, and managing inventory and requisitions.

Maselina’s expertise spans supplier relationship management, strategic sourcing, and efficient inventory systems, driving operational excellence and cost optimization across large-scale hospitality operations.

Corporate Communications & Employer Branding Professional

Kat is a seasoned corporate communications and employer branding professional with over five years of experience. Renowned for her expertise with Adobe Creative Suite, she excels in website development, graphic design, social media marketing, and video editing.

Currently serving as Employer Brand Assets Lead at London Stock Exchange Group, Kat manages projects that enhance the employee value proposition and strengthen brand identity. Her skills extend to marketing funnel management, email marketing, and livestreaming, ensuring cohesive and impactful communications across channels.

Kat holds a Bachelor of Science from Far Eastern University, combining creative talent with strategic communication expertise to deliver innovative branding solutions.

Accounting Consultant

Joejie Daito is a seasoned Staff Accountant at Da Carla Ristorante and Café in Beverly Hills, specializing in financial management, payroll, and accounts administration. She brings meticulous attention to detail and a strong background in hospitality and retail finance.

Her previous roles include Bookkeeper/Human Resources at Tasha Off Price Apparel and Unit Accountant at Il Fornaio Restaurant, where she managed payroll, financial reporting, and overall bookkeeping operations.

With expertise in business administration, accounting, and computer applications, Joejie combines technical proficiency with exceptional customer service skills, delivering reliable financial management and operational support in any business setting.

Founder and Executive Producer of Craftworks

Mark Krstich is the Executive Producer and Founder of Craftworks, an artist management and production company specializing in beverage and lifestyle visual storytelling. With a deep understanding of brand identity and consumer engagement, Craftworks delivers dynamic visuals that empower brands to stand out in competitive markets.

Under Mark’s strategic leadership, the company has achieved significant business growth, producing inspiring and engaging campaigns for global leaders including Diageo, Constellation Brands, Pernod Ricard, Heineken, Chivas Regal, Bombay Sapphire, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Liquid Death, and Movado Group.

Mark’s visionary approach and creative direction continue to shape Craftworks into a trusted partner for brands seeking impactful, story-driven content.

https://craftworksla.com/