Nicholas Zepeda

Experience

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  Kaleid

  Oct 2008 - now

  Free Thinker, Co-Founder

  This is what happens when your best friends are evil design genius'. They master everything they touch and expect the same 'outta you. This is a creative freight train born out of big dreams, sketches on cocktail napkins, and caffeine lots of caffeine. -As a full stack designer I'm in charge of finding the client, making them happy, making them more happy, sketching concepts and presenting them. We're talking full stack here so my job isn't done. From there I'm the guy building the mockup and more times than not the final product. When the project is mondo I'm entirely fluent in communicating with a manufacturer usually getting the product dialed in with very few revisions.-Kaleid has also served as an outlet for my complete lust of furniture and finely made things. I personally designed and built an initial line of home furnishings consisting of eight pieces. The work includes benches, lighting, chairs, and will continue to grow. -Clients include Quiznos, Teakoe Tea Company, and many independent clients.Software -Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign -Solidworks -Auto CAD -SketchupModeling/Prototyping -Plastics prototyping with acrylic, styrene, and high-density foam. -Wood prototyping using general woodshop and CNC tools. -General and CNC metal skills. -Powdercoating, sandblasting, and flame-spraying finishing skills. -Intermedate skill level with fiberglass, carbon fiber, and other composite materials. -Micellaneous Design Skills -Ideation/conceptualization sketchingMisc Skills -Marker Rendering -User-centered research Show less

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  Omni Interlocken Resort

  Mar 2010 - Mar 2014

  Senior Bartender

  Wow the experience. This is where I've learned about people, myself, and that complicated little spot where the two collide. -As a core full-time employee, am responsible for determining guest needs,building and maintaining rapport with high-end clientele in a professional and thriving environment. Consistently recognized by clients and large group contacts for excellence and outstanding service. Known among management and guests for knowledge and passion in craft beer and cocktails. Certification -CARE Certified (current) -TIPS Certified (expired) -Fluent on Micros computer systems. (easily adaptable)Training -Ongoing craft beer and cocktail education and tasting by current employer -Quarterly wine education and training by current employer Show less

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  (shike) Design

  Sept 2010 - Nov 2013

  Apprentice Designer

  A bootcamp for my skills and gasoline for my passion. In my three years here I was shown the ins and outs of business and the back alleys of client relations, how it really goes down. We worked fast and stayed late when we didn't. I wouldn't trade this for the world. -Originally hired as short-term intern, through proof of skill and work passion became the firms first hourly employee. Regularly applauded for focus and drive within the firm’s/client’s extremely demanding workload and schedule. Collaborated within an extremely exclusive team to design some of Denver’s most recognizable bars and restaurants. Job duties often included on-site furniture and feature installs. Clients include Linger, Corner House, Red Robin, Epernay, Sugarlicious, etc. Software -Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign -Solidworks -Auto CAD -SketchupModeling/Prototyping -Plastics prototyping with acrylic, styrene, and high-density foam. -Wood prototyping using general woodshop and CNC tools. -General and CNC metal skills. -Powdercoating, sandblasting, and flame-spraying finishing skills. -Intermedate skill level with fiberglass, carbon fiber, and other composite materials. -Micellaneous Design Skills -Ideation/conceptualization sketchingMisc Skills -Marker Rendering -User-centered research Show less

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  Argyll Whisky Beer, a Gastropub

  May 2014 - Aug 2014

  Cocktail/Whisky Meistro

  I got thrown head first into this well oiled clock and not only learned how it ticks, but why it ticks with a full download of knowledge all day, every day. When you work with the best they want you to be the best and before you know it, you want to be the best. -Had the privilege to be a part of the original opening team which included two weeks of intensive training in beer, classic cocktails, American whisky, and foreign whisky. Was applauded for outstanding guest relations and helped begin the basis for their core “regulars” which formed quickly. Show less

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  Denver Beer Co.

  Sept 2014 - Sept 2015

  Tap Room Manager

  Heart, soul, and beer. These are the guys that have made me step up, take ownership, and keep things moving on the daily. -I am the first outside manager hire ever and was given a truckload of responsibility on day one. In addition to cash handling and daily sales balancing I'm on the ground floor of keeping the taproom and it's staff well oiled and efficient. My skills as a manager are being constantly developed and honed on a daily basis and will be beneficial to any position or field I may be in the future.Certification and Training:-Cicerone beer server trained with ongoing beer flavor and production training.-Daily operations and back office business training happens daily.Systems Used:-MicroStar POS Systems-Microsoft Word and Excel Show less