Women Making Moves in our Industry
An interview with Michele Recupido, General Manager at Locust Rendezvous.
Can you share a bit about your journey in the industry?
My goal was to enter the business world right out of school, but financially I needed a second job. Bartending school was an option. It was instant gratification. If the customer liked me, they tipped me… and the rest is history.
Have you had any mentors throughout your journey?
I’ve been very fortunate to have had mentors placed in my path, mainly a man named Nate Stone. He has been in the bar business for over 60 years – at one time owning 10 taverns at the same time. Apparently, he saw something in me and my abilities 36 years ago and asked me to come work for him. As the years went by, he taught me more and more about this business. There aren’t many people who would “tip their hand” so to speak and show you all the ins and outs. I’ve learned so much from him and I attribute all my success to him. I’ve learned from the master.
Have there been any challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the industry?
When I came into this business there were very few women behind the bar. I learned early on that if I could do this job as well as a man, my gender wouldn’t matter. And here we are today!
Do you feel that you have the respect of men in the industry?
I do. I think my reputation as a straight shooter speaks for itself. Most of the Sales Reps in the industry are still male, but they know I’ll never string them along. If what they’re selling is worth my while, I’m in, if not, I’m out. I don’t like wasting anyone’s time and I think they respect that the most.
What trends are you excited about in beer?
The NA beer revolution is pretty wild. At one time it was O’Douls and not much more. Now with a stout – Guinness 0 – and an IPA – Sam Adams Just the Haze – it seems the sky’s the limit. Not everyone wants to have just a soda.
Did you ever feel that you had to prove yourself as a woman in the industry?
Early on, every day. I needed to make sure that I could hold my own when it came to dealing with people that didn’t think I had what it takes to be successful in this industry – I proved them wrong.
What advice would you give to women looking to get into the industry?
Learn your craft and hold your own. Don’t be bullied by people who think they know more than you, rather learn from everyone you meet in the industry. Take a little piece of advice from each person and make it your own.
If you could share a beer with any woman in history, who would it be and why?
Rosie the Riveter. During World War II she proved that women could do a man’s job just as well. I’d like to say thanks for paving the way even though it took a long time.