John James Sarkis has made a name for himself in the Charlotte, North Carolina area as a first rate restaurant general manger. However, John James Sarkis realizes that he would not be where he is in his career today if it were not for a team of great mentors at the earliest stages of his life and work.

“I was truly very lucky in that I had several accomplished and experienced professionals who were willing to mentor me when I was just starting out,” John James Sarkis said. “Without those professional mentors, I doubt that I would be as successful as I am today.”

John James Sarkis got his start in the food and beverage industry after a successful stint as a social worker who handled youthful offenders within the correctional system. In that role, John James Sarkis was the youngest social worker with the biggest caseload. John James Sarkis believes that his work as a social worker has greatly influenced his work as a restaurant manager.

“As a social worker, every decision that I made on a daily basis has an automatic effect on the lives of others,” John James Sarkis said. “I took that responsibility and brought it with me to the food and beverage industry. As a manager, I pride myself on carefully considering all the consequences of any decision that I may make. I recognize that my choices as a manager have effects on my staff and my customers and I strive to act accordingly.”

John James Sarkis says that in the coming year, he plans to reach out to young managers in the food and beverage industry to offer them whatever mentorship he possibly can. John James Sarkis believes that by reaching out to young people who are just beginning their careers in restaurant management, he will be able to help them lay the foundation for a long and successful career.

“I know that sometimes all it takes is having a great sounding board,” John James Sarkis said. “I hope to be that sounding board for young men and women who are just beginning their careers.”

John James Sarkis has not yet figured out the specifics for this mentorship program, but says that he is “very excited” about all the possibilities.