Damian Monticello

Business & Industry, Foodservice Management Category

Damian is the director of enterprise hospitality and event services at GuideWell. In his role, he is responsible for serving the workplace hospitality needs of more than 15,000 employees throughout the GuideWell family of companies through their full-service (CaféFresh) and limited service (PERKS) concepts. Additionally, he is responsible for The Conference Center at Florida Blue, corporate travel, employee fitness centers, the GuideWell Athletic Complex, and the GuideWell Innovation Center, a health focused co-working environment and meeting venue.

Prior to his now two-decade career with GuideWell, Damian worked in both restaurants and hotels, having held foodservice management positions with the likes of Roadhouse Grill, The American Café, and The Ritz-Carlton.

In Damian’s Own Words

How did you get your start in the foodservice industry?

Some would say I was destined for a foodservice career because when I was a kid, if there was a day I was home sick from school, you were much more likely to see me watching Julia Child and the other cooking shows on PBS than cartoons. After graduating college, with an advertising degree in hand, I went to the newly opened Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island to apply for a job in Public Relations. There were no openings, but the person screening applicants was a high school classmate. She said, “Knowing you and your personality, you would be a good fit in Food and Beverage. She routed my application there, and, here we are, 30 years later.

What do you enjoy most about your career in foodservice?

The people I’ve met and the friends I have made along the way. I’ve worked in hotels, restaurants and now the business and industry segment. At each point, I have made lifelong friends who have had a major impact on the person I have become.  There is no way I could possibly thank them all, but their influence and friendship mean a lot. 

Tell us about a proud moment you’ve had along the way.

I had the honor of serving as President of SHFM in 2021. During that year, there was still a lot of uncertainty about our industry and the impact of the pandemic. Being able to help others, through programs like our COVID-Relief membership, and with the support of the SHFM Board of Directors, return us to in-person events; to see the excitement on people’s faces when they could be with their industry peers again, in person, it was like “coming home”. And to be able to host our National Conference that year in Amelia Island (my home), that is a feeling I will always remember.

How would your team describe you as a leader?

My team shared some words:  

    • Damian is great at trusting his team, listening to what his managers advise to better grow the department, and is willing to admit that he doesn’t know everything and sometimes needs help from his team.  
    • Damian’s leadership style is like a great waiter!  He’s diligent, kind and patient.  He offers advice when needed.  He’s great at anticipating challenges and helps direct us when we need guidance but gives us the freedom to do our jobs.  Like a good waiter, he’s patient, compassionate and has a lot of integrity!  
    • He fosters creativity and works diligently to solve any logistical issues with a new idea. He believes in his employees, and makes himself available for any questions or advice, no matter the situation. 
    • As a leader he empowers his team to take calculated risks and is there for support when needed. 

What advice do you have for someone new to the foodservice industry?

Find your passion and get involved. Ask questions. Share your ideas. Try a new approach. And, if it doesn’t work, try another. This industry can ask a lot of you, but it can also give you so much. But, to get anything out of it, you need that desire to serve and take care of others. That Hospitality Mindset.      

What does being an IFMA Silver Plate recipient mean to you?

Looking at the names of past Silver Plate recipients, some of whom I’m fortunate enough to call my friends, I’m honored to know my contributions to, and passion for our industry are considered worthy of being included with this outstanding group of people.

What is your favorite meal?

Any meal that brings us around the table and we can laugh. And, if we happen to be eating my wife’s Chicken and Dumplings, that makes it even better.  

Damian Monticello was nominated by PepsiCo