By Cindy Kent, Sun Sentinel South Florida Sun-Sentinel

April 16, 2010
Who: Tommy Nevill, proprietor/general manager for III Forks Prime Steakhouse at The Village at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach.

What: Nevill supports the firm's new restaurant openings to ensure the corporate brand is in place from day one, no matter the location. In the past, he's opened restaurants in Boca Raton, Jacksonville, and Houston, for parent company Consolidated Restaurant Operations, Inc. "Service has to be consistent," said Nevill. "That's always expected in our industry."

A typical day: He manages new location start-up processes such as hiring and training supervisors and executive chefs. Relocating for several months at a time, or longer, are a part of the job. It creates opportunity because Nevill meets job applicants with a variety of skill sets. Hiring local talent helps him make new connections.

The back story: Nevill studied at the Disney Culinary Institute in Orlando and at Florida State University, Dedman School of Hospitality, for his bachelor's degree in hospitality administration. He believes internships and management training helped him develop maturity and authority.

"I've always worked in restaurants. I love the culinary side of things," he said. "The experiences are amazing. You connect with people on so many different levels." Nevill developed an expertise in wine to obtain level-one certification as a sommelier. He learned the back of the house operations.

The take away: Nevill stays connected to past mentors, professors, fellow students and former colleagues. As Nevill moves forward with restaurant openings, he can tap into the expertise of people he's worked with in the past to assist him in the future.

Personal philosophy: "Hospitality and service has to be in your blood," said Nevill. "You have to be keyed into it to deliver."

Cindy Kent can be reached at ckent@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4662. Follow her on Twitter.com @mindingyourbiz