I'm Rodrigo Perez Castro. Over a decade in hospitality — from craft bartender to Assistant Manager at a premier casino steakhouse — I've earned every role by doing it. I lead teams, protect the guest experience, and run operations that turn first-time guests into regulars.
I didn't start in a corner office. I started behind the bar — mixing, serving, learning the floor one shift at a time. A decade later, I lead the teams doing that same work, and I respect every role because I've worked it.
Today I'm Assistant Manager at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood inside Hard Rock Casino, where I partner with the General Manager and Executive Chef to run daily service for a premium steakhouse. I own the details that make hospitality feel effortless: beverage programs, cost controls, staff training, guest recovery, and compliance.
My path isn't only hospitality. As Operations Manager and Partner at a digital marketing agency, I learned P&L, brand positioning, and market strategy from the inside — so I lead an operation the way an owner would, not just a manager. Add fluent Spanish and a seat on a community literacy board, and you get a leader who connects with every guest and every teammate in the room.
Partner directly with the GM and Executive Chef to run daily service at a premium casino steakhouse. Own beverage controls, staff onboarding and fine-dining training, inventory systems, guest resolution, event integration with catering, and full health/liquor compliance across the dining room and bar.
Ran operations for a full-service agency: client accounts, budgets, timelines, and performance metrics. Led cross-functional teams on multimedia and digital campaigns, shaped brand positioning and messaging, and grew client visibility through social, SEO, and targeted media.
Managed bar and dining operations in a high-end club. Delivered craft cocktail and fine-wine service, trained staff, ran inventory and cost control, and executed weddings, banquets, and private events for 500+ guests — all to an upscale standard.
Delivered high-end bartending and service at banquets, private events, and luxury cruise dining across Chicago. Adapted fast to new venues and high-pressure, high-volume settings while holding a polished, professional standard.
Premium bartending in an upscale wine bar — craft cocktails, curated wine pairings, and personalized service that turned first-time guests into regulars. Trained new staff and managed premium inventory.
Provide strategic leadership and governance for a regional nonprofit delivering ESL, GED prep, and citizenship courses. Guide marketing and communications, support fundraising and corporate partnerships, and advocate for on-site workplace literacy programs that help local workforces build safety and career growth.
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