Wesley Taylor

What is your typical work day like?

There is nothing typical about my work day!

Generally, if there is an event, I come in and set-up or make sure we are ready to go for the particular needs of the event. Then it’s all about running the event… talking with the client and tending to any last minute changes, checking A/V equipment, making sure the service staff is ready and understands everything about the event, checking in with the kitchen and reviewing the timeline of what is supposed to happen and when, touch base with bar staff,

expedite the food, talk to the client (again) to make sure he/she is happy, connect with service and bar staff about any issues, expedite dessert & coffee, talk to the client one last time about the event, then clean-up and possibly set-up for the next event. On top of all of that, I have office responsibilities: answering emails and phone calls about booking banquets, inputting information for function sheets, draft room diagrams so maintenance staff can set-up for the next event, have planning meetings/tastings, and give tours of the banquet facilities to possible

future events.

How long have you worked here?

Just over three and a half years.

What were some of your previous jobs?

Server, bartender, caterer, and catering manager.

What did you want to be with you were growing up?

An artist. I actually have a diploma from the (then named) Pennsylvania School of Art & Design, which is what brought me to Lancaster. My focus was illustration. But there wasn’t any local demand for illustrators, and I needed to make fast money once I graduated, so I started serving in restaurants. Because the money was descent, I stayed with it.

Where is your favorite place and where would you like to go on vacation?

I enjoy going to the Cape Ann area of Massachusetts to go whale watching. My mother recently moved to Boca Raton, FL and I had the chance to visit and it was very nice. My dream is to go to China someday… or Japan... or just about any Asian country. I would love to be Anthony

Bourdain for a year and experience many different countries, cultures and food!

What are your interests and hobbies?

Art (as I mentioned before), but I don’t seem to have the time for it anymore. I like watching movies, Travel and History Channels. I’m trying to read more. I like golf, but I’m horrible at it. I also have an interest in model railroading (which I get from my father and uncle).

Do you follow any sports—or have any favorite teams?

Okay, here we go… I’m a huge Notre Dame fan! Which is not a good thing when you live in the “Nittany Lion State”. I like watching tennis… congratulations to Novak Djokovic for his first Wimbledon win! And again… golf.

NOTRE DAME IN ACTION!

What are some of your favorite bands?

Hmmm… I’m all over the place when it comes to music (thankfully, there’s Pandora). I’ll listen to just about anything from Dolly Parton to Beyonce. I like, “Great Standards” to Motown to movie soundtracks.

What are your favorite books?
The Harry Potter books, Dune, The Hobbit/Lord of the Rings, and I’m currently reading some of Anthony Bourdain’s books

What are your favorite TV shows?
I really liked the re-make of Battlestar Galactica (I’m a big sci-fi dork, so also include all the Star Trek series), Modern Family, Community, Dexter, True Blood (just to name a few). I really liked Game of Thrones which just finished its first season.

What are some of your favorite movies?
The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Harry Potter, “Comic Book” movies, Star Wars, the Kung Fu Panda movies, the Airplane! movies, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Avatar. I recently saw the third Transformers movie in IMAX 3D... it was visual comprehension overload, I needed a nap afterward.

Name something you would love to do one day.
Travel, travel, travel

What is the best gift that you've ever been given?
I don’t think I have a “best” gift. I have several that I really liked: a Notre Dame Fighting Irish driver head cover, a Titleist 60-degree wedge, a Star Wars Pop-Up book (don’t laugh… it’s pretty sweet).

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE STAR WARS POP UP GUIDE TO THE GALAXY

What is the best compliment someone could give you?

“Wow! Are you losing weight?” (ha ha… the answer is usually, “No”). It also feels good when you are recognized for a job “well done”

If you could go back and give the teen age version of yourself advice, what would you tell him?

Save your money and travel. See the world! I think everyone should travel outside of the U.S. and get a different perspective on how the world works. Meet and relate to people of all races and cultures… and then come back and share the experiences with your family and friends.