Tyler Kerr is a barback here at Doffo Winery, but in reality his duties include so much more, from driving the shuttle to restocking. We caught up with Tyler to find out more about his background and his role here at Doffo Winery. We hope you enjoy getting to know him, and next time you visit the winery be sure to say hello!
What is your role at Doffo?
Officially speaking, I’m a barback. But really I just do whatever needs to get done at any given time. Shuttling guests, stock, requisition orders. My policy has always been to never say “no” when someone asks for help, and learn to do everything I possibly can.
How did you come to work at Doffo?
Pretty much by chance. I’d just left a job with the school district and a weekend job at a winery driving a shuttle sounded like a good way to occupy my time, especially while I was taking full-time classes during the week. I never would have guessed I would end up where I am just from sticking around. I didn’t even think I’d be here long enough to see my 21st birthday, but here we are.
Describe what it’s like to work in the wine industry and with the Doffo family.
The Doffo family is probably the best I’ve had in my working experience. Having such a wonderful group of managers, especially after working with the school district, is a wonderful change of pace. Working next to people who are such experts in their field is really interesting to me. Before I worked here, I never would have guessed there was so much to know about wine. Now it feels like I’m learning something new every day just by sharing a room with these wonderful people every day.
What is your favorite part of what you do at Doffo?
I really enjoy helping people out, especially when the going gets rough. I like to be able to knock down tasks one after the other, and the busier weekdays are like a constant flow of new challenges to overcome. Packing up after a busy day has got to be my favorite thing to do.
What are your plans for the future? Do you know what career path you might want to take?
I’ve been pretty much up in the air for the past couple years, given that a lot of my time has been occupied with work. But now that things are starting to calm down somewhat, I’m thinking I might try to go into a profession somewhere. I’ve toyed around with plumbing, HVAC, locksmithing, but still nothing has really caught my eye. I might just follow in my dad’s footsteps and work somewhere for the state.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Usually I’ll hang out with some friends and play games after work, but I also have a collection of models that I create and paint in my off time. My painting skills still need some work, though. I also have a writing project I’ve been working sporadically on for the past few years or so. And I’m still working on that D&D campaign that only a few of you remember.
What is a skill or talent you have that your co-workers might be surprised about?
I won’t say that I’m a good writer, but I feel like I’ve definitely improved since I started my little project. If any of them saw the light of day, I feel like they might be surprised that I had it in me.
What is your favorite food item from FYS?
My favorite ever was the Chicken Milanese sandwich, I loved that while they still had it. But as far as what we have now, I’d have to say my favorite is the chicken wrap.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Only that after having been here for three years, seeing the team grow from just a handful of servers and barbacks to the army we have now has been an amazing thing to watch. Keep up the good work, and I’ll be back here to help once you guys are done with your sales. Keep rocking!
