The supervisors at Hilton Garden Inn Hotel’s in-house restaurant know how lucky they are. They found a model employee in Victor Shingles when he began with them at The Garden Grille & Bar about three months ago. Blake, the restaurant manager, says, “Victor has such a good attitude. We could use more people with attitudes like his.” Victor’s supervisor, D.J. concurs. “He’s always willing to do anything you ask him to.” Both Blake and D.J. also comment on how polite and sharply dressed Victor is.
Victor at work in the Hilton Garden Inn’s kitchen.
They’re not the only ones who feel fortunate. Victor is excited that he secured this job. His goal is to become a professional cook someday, and this position puts him on the path to making that dream a reality. Marcus, one of Reach’s employment specialists, helped Victor with interview skills and applying for the job in order to land this opportunity. Already, Victor has made progress, adding to his dish-washing duties with food prep tasks, such as slicing fruit. His supervisors see expanded responsibilities in his near future.
Victor attributes his love of cooking with his grandma, with whom he lives. He explains that their lessons started with the basics of proper hand washing and became more interesting when discussing different types of sauces and seasonings. Victor admits, though, that his favorite food is one he would prefer the experts prepare: pizza.
Marcus and Victor
When Victor’s not busy in a kitchen, he likes to play video games or basketball. He and Marcus are also in the process of working toward Victor getting his driver’s license, completing online tests at the library. “I’m trying my hardest,” states Victor.
That work ethic is obvious to his employers, and likely part of his recipe of success. We’re excited to see how Victor’s dream continues to unfold.
[You can hear more from Victor at our Reach “On Tap” summer fundraiser, happening July 17. More information.]