Aaron Smith

Aaron Gregory Smith, CAE, started his journey in the restaurant industry while working his way through school. He found a passion for fostering a strong sense of community within well-managed hospitality establishments.

Determined to realize his dream, Aaron opened his own restaurant at the young age of 24 and successfully operated as Managing Director for 5 years. Following this, he assumed the pivotal role of the first Executive Director of the United States Bartenders' Guild.

His professional experience includes serving as the Executive Director at the United States Bartenders' Guild, where he plays a key role in advancing the craft of bartending and fostering professional growth within the industry. Prior to this, he held positions such as Secretary and Acting Executive Director at the USBG National Charity Foundation, National Treasurer, and National Vice President of the San Francisco Chapter for the USBG, showcasing his dedication to the bartending community.

Aaron has honed his leadership and management skills through his roles as Managing Director at 15 Romolo, both part-time and full-time, and as a Manager at COCO500. His career trajectory exemplifies his commitment to the hospitality sector and his influential contributions to the bartending profession.