Employee of the Month: Brian Cate

Vickie Hamilton

Congratulations to Brian Cate who was recently honored as PebbleCreek’s Employee of the Month. Brian is one of those employees whose name may not be immediately recognized but his face is familiar to most PebbleCreekers. Over the last 12 years Brian has been seen in numerous places throughout the community, coming and going, smiling and greeting residents and guests. Brian’s easy going, approachable manner has made him a popular employee with whom residents enjoy interacting.

Brian has been working in PebbleCreek Food & Beverage (F&B) for 12 years starting as a server in 2003. His next assignment as a bartender lasted approximately 10 years and was followed by a stint as an Eagle’s Nest Restaurant Supervisor for a year. Currently he is the community’s Beverage Manager. In this position Brian is responsible for all aspects of beverages served in PebbleCreek F&B outlets – cost comparison, ordering, distributing, tracking, inventory and budgeting. One of his goals is to “keep costs down and beverages affordable in PebbleCreek.” Brian works to make adjustments to varying demand during the year while maintaining quality product at the best prices.

In addition Brian is available to work at “whatever is needed” including banquet and catering events as well as supervising and bartending. He believes that teamwork is essential in the F&B business and considers PebbleCreek’s F&B team “one big family.”

Brian is recognized in the community for his inviting smile which is familiar to many residents. He enjoys working with the residents and knows many by name from serving and interacting with them over the years. “I have worked here for one third of my life,” explains Brian, “and the residents and staff are like part of my extended family.” Melissa Gonzales, Director of F&B, recalls that many residents have told her that Brian “knows us and knows what we like without asking.”

“Brian’s positive attitude and excellent customer service skills make it a delight to have Brian as part of our team,” according to Melissa Gonzales. “During his 12 years of service he has proven to be an asset to the team and has demonstrated that he truly cares about PebbleCreek,” she adds.

Brian is married to Annie, a former long-time server at Toscana’s, who many PebbleCreekers remember and miss! Thank you, Brian, for your hard work and dedication!