Koesti started in the service industry at a hotel where his siser got him a job as a room service assistant

“I just fell in love with my employer," he says today. "They were like my second family. They treat you well, train you well and want you to succeed.”

His training included food courses requiring Koesti to work on the line in the kitchen. From there he moved into a role as a server.

"We take and relay food and beverage orders, serve the food and beverages to our guests,handle complaints and concerns and provide advice about both the food and beverages". "The job is about making sure that the guests enjoy their dining experience"

When he left the hotel chain, Koesti worked in a wine store where over the next four years he gained knowledge about wines, which translated into a higher confidence level and even better customer service. Today, Koesti is a food and beverage server in the main dining room of a seaside resort on Vancouver Island.

For anyone considering the service industry as a career, Koesti recommends being certain you enjoy serving the public. “If you don’t, it's not only bad for business, its bad for you." He also encourages formal studies. “Take courses in wine, cooking, service and communications. Find role models to study.  Pay attention and be humble. And don’t be afraid to wash a few dishes".