Matt Helbacka Email & Phone Number

Saint Paul, Mn, Us

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

I prep, bottle, and tend bar and work events for the next big thing in Whiskey.

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Simply put the best job I will ever have.

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Fine dining, craft cocktails, midwestern spirits, & pleasant conversation

Duluth, Mn

I utilized the training I received from making short films and televised segments in college to begin my own advertising/production company. I shot and edited together HD commercials, trailers, and online-based content for various companies including Duluth's Teatro Zuccone and The Valley Youth Center. Most notably, I have created theatrical previews for Renegade Theater's upcoming onstage productions, which circulate on local television stations in the Northland, which hopefully have aided in the rising arts and theater district of Downtown Duluth. Notable commercials include working with: Upright Citizens Brigade's Traveling troop, Take It With You! Live Radio Theater from Duluth, and productions of: The Sparrow, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, BUG, Parade, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, The Pillowman, The Burnt Part Boys, and Spring Awakening. I am also a contract player and performer for their traveling and in house improvisational comedy team. We perform every weekend, Friday and Saturday late nights, to a sold out crowd of tourists and locals alike. I have also contributed as a writer and performer to sketch shows, Dink Tank, Renegade at the Movies, and In Case of Emergency Long Form Improv.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Duluth, Minnesota Area

Began a short-term contract as a member of the management team, and spent my dayside hours consulting for the newly opened Red Herring Lounge in Downtown Duluth. Handled the ordering and menu offerings of wine, beer, and spirits working alongside Owner and Proprietor, Bob Monahan. Aided in the customization of drink specials, scheduling, and nightly promotions. Maintained and expanded my relationships with micro-breweries and distilleries in the Midwest, Twin Ports, and Twin Cities/Metro area- namely trying to expand the offerings in my area to cater to the tastes of a "local" crowd and tourists alike. Specialize in pricing, placement, product knowledge, and cost analysis. Keyholder of the art gallery/music venue/ cocktail bar recently highlighted as the best new cocktail bar in the region by a Minneapolis periodical.

Duluth, Minnesota Area

Began working with the Zeitgeist Arts Cafe in May of 2012, in the Front of the House, as a bartender and server in a fine dining/craft cocktail environment. The Center also functions as a daily arthouse cinema, live stage theater company, and art gallery. Over time I expanded my role into an Assistant Manager, eventually ascending to the role of Bar Manager and finally the head of the FOH before I left the organization. I was asked to conceive the signature drinks, from recipes to thematic names, menu execution, and collaborate on food pairings for wine and beer dinners with outside companies. Notably The Wine Company, Paustis, Bourget Imports, Surly Brewing Co., and High West Distillery. Involved in the planning and development of: marketing the new promotional nights, desire culture and experience of our clientele, menu design, conceptualizing individual happy hour specials to coincide with musical guest performers, NERD nights, reunions, catered events, political rallies, ribbon cutting ceremonies, and art openings. As FOH Manager, I would handle the scheduling and training, of all servers, hosts, and bartenders. Made bank runs, had access to server drops, tip outs, and both safes in the building. Ordered and selected all wine, liquor, supplies, non-alcoholic beverages, and beer for the Cafe. Other skills learned through this position: daily recaps, accounts payable, event coordination, scheduling, hiring/firing, daily batch settlement. Proficient in Restaurant Manager, Aloha, Digital Dining, and various other POS (Point of Sale) systems. Gained experience from attending wine and spirits trade shows, brewery tours, and distillery operational seminars. Have a working relationship with sales representatives from: Rohlfing, Michaud, Superior Beverages, Bellboy, Vinocopia, Bent Paddle, Blacklist Artisan Ales, Bernick's, The Wine Company, Paustis, Johnson Brothers & Phillips Wine and Spirits, Bourget Imports, Castle Danger, and Wirtz vendors.

Duluth, Minnesota Area And Los Angeles, Ca

I have experience in various degrees of bartending and table-side customer service in the hospitality industry. Most notably in Duluth and Los Angeles, I aided in the opening of the recently restored and renovated bars in the Radisson Hotel (J.J. Astor and Bowery Brothers, 2010) which were two polar-opposite themes and build outs. With the J.J. Astor seeking an extremely fine-dining and craft culture in the rotating Harborview top floor of the hotel, while the Bowery Brothers sought more of a hooligan sports pub mentality. Collaborated on signature drinks, menu design, and liquor selection. Also, was fortunate enough to spend two years working in the renovated, The Pickwick, Duluth's landmark steakhouse, and celebrate the historic restaurant's 100th anniversary. I spent three months working on the build out for the second floor of the Duluth Flame Nightclub, and the Bottom's Up Lounge. Here I also gathered valuable experience in speed bartending, and club atmosphere. Got my introduction to the business working at the local Grandma's Saloon and Grille, as everything from a host, to server, to cocktailer, to bartender before relocating to Los Angeles for college. Spent a few months working in the Silverlake neighborhood of Los Angeles, at the gastro-pub, Barbarella as a bartender.

Duluth, Mn

Created and executed programming for at-risk youth at neighborhood recreation centers annually for the duration of the summer season. Facilitated daily activities, supervised field trips, and site maintenance. Supervised a staff of Incredible Exchange volunteers and Y.E.S. (Youth Employment Services) workers. I earned certifications in Child CPR and First Aid during my training. On any given day could be responsible for up to seventy-five children aged 4 to 17.

Chicago, Il

Was chosen to help launch a new brand of Ralph Lauren apparel, and open the first Rugby store in the Midwest. The brand was an attempt at appealing to the cost sensibility and youth of a college-aged person, who may not be quite financially ready to purchase from the Polo line directly on Madison Avenue. The brand was also unique in the striving for customization, as customers could "Make your Own" either in-store or online. The tag line of "You pick it. We Stick it" was largely influenced by our heritage patch efforts which we could turn around in just a day, in any design or pattern that the patron desired. Worked promotional sales events in and out of store. Consistently had the highest SPH (Sales per Hour) on staff. In order to better understand all aspects of the business, I diversified my day-to-day efforts working customer service in a high-end retail environment: I began a client list, assisted in merchandising, shipping/receiving, inventory, and marketed the new line around the Chicago fashion boutique community. Took two sales/marketing pitches to corporate in an effort to drive sales for products that were currently struggling on the floor.