We have had skin(s) in the game for a long time. Now, we’re sharing what we’ve learned with a hospitality community that just keeps on growing.
The right place, right time and the best people for the job.
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Between us, the Worksmith crew have a few lifetime’s worth of experience in the hospitality industry – from high-octane fine dining environments, to coffee brewing competitions and being behind some of the best bars in the world. Now, we’re putting our heads together to make our line of work better for everyone in it.
A leader and cheerleader for Melbourne's legendary hospitality industry, Michael Bascetta had a storied career in some of the the city's finest establishments before launching a barrage of successful ventures in his own right. He's the co-founder of Bar Liberty, Capitano and Falco Bakery, as well as Grow Assembly – a series of food and wine talks from some of the most forward-thinking minds in the industry.
More than 20 years ago Roscoe and Michael became friends while cutting their teeth in their first job together as dish pigs. In 2016, after more than a decade working on large-scale property developments, Roscoe decided to throw it all in to travel the world, working in eight countries in as many months. Roscoe came back to Australia with a reignited passion for hospitality and got together with Michael and Worksmith was born.
Rob is a social entrepreneur at heart, working with visionaries who are determined to reinvent the status quo. Holding a PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience and an MBA, Rob brings project management, investment analysis and product development experience to Worksmith from the health, education and financial services sectors.
After a six-year stint at world-renowned Tim Wendelboe in Oslo, Tim returned to Melbourne in 2013 and co-founded Bureaux Collective – Australia’s first co-roasting workspace. He also co-founded the World AeroPress Championship, a community-building coffee competition spanning 65+ countries. Tim heads up Stella – Worksmith’s quality-focussed coffee roaster and the producer of a coffee-first espresso martini.
Darren has been making drinks for almost half his life – most of which he’s been fortunate enough to do behind notable and exciting bars. Mixing an in-depth knowledge of distillation and fermentation with a penchant for bespoke ingredient production and unique flavour pairings, he likes to make drinks that make people happy. Darren is currently working on running a four-minute mile and patenting the Leaney Martini, neither of which he’s likely to achieve.
Jane Ryan is a writer and content creator. She has worked for London Cocktail Week and Difford’s Guide in the UK, and Concrete Playground here in Australia, before crossing to the dark side of PR and marketing. Back in the day, Jane had part-time roles in London bars such as Callooh Callay, Satan’s Whiskers and Trailer Happiness. These days she only makes drinks for others on TikTok. Luckily, they can’t be tasted.
Our People & Culture leader brings commercial acumen, empathy and exceptional operational know-how to Worksmith’s organisational strategy. Samantha’s strong family values are embedded in everything she creates. Through hard-won experience, Samantha provides best-practice and sustainable people experiences and solutions. She enjoys shaping teams to achieve cutting-edge practices, creating thriving workplaces, harnessing efficiency and enabling Worksmith to achieve its best.
Working with the award-winning Worksmith sales team, Brett has been in the hospitality industry since before the days where the internet ruled supreme. Brett has spent time working in a number of countries in various roles, from luxury hotel openings to liquor sales, and still loves the finer Tequilas in life.
Ella’s role at Worksmith ties together her varied experiences and interests. While at university, gaining a few psychology degrees and a MA in Criminology, Ella spent eight years in the world of training, focusing on adult education and compliance. She started working in hospitality to pay the bills but couldn’t bear to part with its community. Ella has over 12 years of indsutry experience managing venues, running training programs and tastings, events, distillation and luxury spirit sales.
Beginning his working life in Sydney restaurants, Myles made the transition to pubs and bars by working across the city’s best and most in-demand venues. Driven to provide the highest level of customer experience and a flair for the art of service, Myles simultaneously forged a career in sales across real estate, hospitality technology, human resources and construction. He now drives sales across Queensland for the industry he loves.
Katie’s first job was in hospitality and she never left. Working both in customer-facing roles and behind the scenes means she has a great appreciation for every element of the industry. Katie started at Worksmith as a community manager, integrating logistics and dispatch for Home Grown, Worksmith and Stella. She has now taken on the role of Procurement Coordinator and her goal is to get great drinks into people’s hands.
Helen has over 20 years of experience in wholesale liquor sales. She has previously worked internationally as a model and operated her own balloon supply business which serviced hotels and major event venues. As WA Sales Manager, Helen brings to Worksmith expertise in leading global brands and businesses in the liquor industry. Helen is also a certified meditation and mindfulness facilitator, a teacher with a diploma in counselling and founder of Shine Meditation WA.
Michael has worked across the hospitality industry for 10+ years working in some of Sydney's most iconic venues in a range of roles. His passion for the hospitality industry has been transferred in recent years having stepped into key sales roles within the beverage industry culminating with joining Worksmith in 2023. Michael’s desire to remain connected with the hospitality industry ensures he is the perfect person to establish and grow the Worksmith brand within NSW.
Tambrae comes to Worksmith with over fifteen years experience in the hospitality industry, across some of the best venues in Australia. Now taking the lead on events, she takes inspiration from her previous restaurant, bar and sales roles to deliver industry leading events with the highest level of attention and care. Outside of work, you will find her watching a game of footy, since her days as an athlete have come to an end.
We’d love to hear from you about all things hospo. Drop us a line.
Worksmith keeps an eye on emerging talent who are keen to join our team. Reach out now and let’s talk shop.