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Sean Van Straatum
Assistant General Manager at Oakmont Country Club
Professional Background
Sean Van Straatum is a dedicated and skilled professional in the culinary and hospitality sector with an impressive journey that began in his childhood in Oakland, California. Starting at the tender age of eleven, Sean discovered his love for cooking amid the vibrant culinary scene of the Bay Area. Throughout the years, he has honed his talents by working in renowned establishments like the Carnelian Room, 1300 on Fillmore, and the illustrious Restaurant Gary Danko in San Francisco. Sean's early experiences laid a strong foundation for his future aspirations in the restaurant industry, propelling him towards a formal education in Hospitality Management.
After earning his bachelor's degree at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, Sean took a significant leap in his career by relocating to Chicago. Here, he ventured into one of America's legendary restaurants, Charlie Trotters, where he initially began as a line cook. His hard work and determination earned him a certification as a Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers within a year. This pivotal transition marked the beginning of his esteemed service in the hospitality field, allowing him to deeply explore the world of fine wines while continuing to nurture his culinary insights.
After Charlie Trotters closed its doors in 2012, Sean took on the role of Outlet Manager and Hotel Sommelier at the Peninsula Chicago. This position introduced him to complex challenges required to manage a comprehensive wine program across multiple dining venues, significantly enhancing his administrative and leadership skills.
In 2014, Sean's career led him back to the West Coast to become the Restaurant General Manager at Viceroy L'Ermitage Beverly Hills. His exemplary service and understanding of the restaurant industry have allowed him to thrive in this high-end environment. Recently, Sean has been delving into the club industry, assuming the role of Assistant General Manager at Oakmont Country Club in Glendale, where he continues to leverage his extensive background to elevate dining experiences.
Education and Achievements
Sean's educational journey began at Skyline High School, where he nurtured his interest in hospitality and customer service. He later pursued a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, a revered institution known for its strong emphasis on hospitality education.
His professional achievements are notable, including his certification as a Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and various leadership roles in prestigious establishments. Sean has served as the Director of Food and Beverage at Oakmont Country Club and as a Board Member of the Hotel and Restaurant Foundation (HARF), signifying his commitment to the industry and his drive to give back to hospitality education and development.
Achievements
Sean's expansive background in culinary arts and hospitality management highlights his dedication to excellence. Some of his most notable achievements include:
- Certified Sommelier: Achieved through the Court of Master Sommeliers, showcasing his profound understanding of wines.
- Lead Roles at Prestigious Restaurants: Worked in highly acclaimed establishments, including the renowned Charlie Trotters and Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, where he displayed exceptional leadership and customer service skills.
- Management of Comprehensive Wine Programs: At the Peninsula Chicago and Viceroy, Sean developed and managed sophisticated wine programs that enhanced the dining experience across all venues under his supervision.
- Influential Roles in Industry Organizations: As a former Director of Food and Beverage at Oakmont and Board Member of HARF, Sean has played an integral role in advocating for the hospitality industry, focusing on education and training for future industry leaders.
Throughout his career, Sean is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside some of the best talents in the hospitality world. His journey continues to evolve, reflecting his openness to new concepts and willingness to embrace the ever-changing landscape of the culinary arts and hospitality management.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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