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.
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.
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.
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.