Today’s Notable Young Professional is bartender Jonathan Homier, who just won the prestigious Grey Goose Pour Masters competition and will be going on to compete for the national title at Le Logis, the home of Grey Goose, in France next month…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I have the best job in the world: I’m a bartender. Nowadays, some people call it mixologist or something else, but in the end my job is really to tend a bar. Every aspect of it is important, of course; I like making drinks, but being sure your guest is happy and he’s having a good time is the primary detail I should care about.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I’m working now at both Saint-Édouard and North End in Rosemont. The same people own them and I must say I went to work there because my bosses are amazing. They really know how to run a business. They respect my craft and use it for the best interest of both bars. For me, it’s really to be able to work in a place I like and respect
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is working and interacting with a lot of different people, but it is also the most challenging part!
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Sometimes you must respect yourself by not caring too much and letting go. It is never good to be obsessed with something work-related. I’ve seen so many bosses with a god syndrome that feel that if they aren’t there, the business won’t work. And burn themselves out finally.
Where do you see yourselves in five years?
On a beach in the Caribbean working at my bar just like in Cocktail (I hope). No, seriously, I don’t really plan that much ahead. If I can still do what I like for a living and be surrounded by the people I enjoy, I’ll be happy.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Having my first bartender job! When you’re a guy, you’re 18, and don’t have any experience, I wouldn’t even hire myself. You just have to work your ass off and prove you’re worth it.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success is to be able to have a passion in life and getting paid for it, whatever it is.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Running my own bar for two years. It is behind me now, but it was such a great time.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Be yourself. I don’t expect to be liked by everybody, but it’s worse to be a chameleon. You must develop and keep on your own style in life and one day you’ll be rewarded for it. I’d rather be someone’s shot of whiskey than everybody’s cup of tea!
Where is your favourite place to wine cocktail / dine in your city and why?
I really like Jatoba downtown because the food is simply amazing and it doesn’t turn too much into club like pretty much every high-class restaurant in the city. I like Bishop and Bagg in Mile End; they serve the best pub food I ever had and the kitchen is open late. On a more daily basis I really like L’Gros Luxe group. Its cheap, features fun cocktails, and the bartenders are great and not pretentious at all.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Sweatpants, beer, chips and Netflix. That’s the dream.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Without being cheesy, California is really amazing. They honestly have everything you could ask and it is so different from the rest of the USA – in a better way.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” from Def Leppard. That’s my “dancing on the bar” song.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I’ll be a rockstar (in fact, bartenders are pretty much rockstars… they just never bother learn to play an instrument).
What to you is notable?
All the amazing but kind of crazy people that work in the hospitality business. All the bartenders, waiters, chefs and all the others that take care of you can for a while so you can forget your day job and enjoy life.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Android all the way.
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