Born: December 24, 1984
Residence: Nestleton, Ontario
Graduate: Port Perry High School - 2003
University of Guelph - 2007
Current Employment: Service Manager
Canyon Creek Chophouse
When Ashley Howat first met the president of SIR Corp (Service Inspired Restaurants), she had no idea who he was, but the impression she made in that brief meeting two years ago landed her a management position with one of the corporations 45 restaurants.
In less than a year as a manager of a Canyon Creek Chophouse, Ashley became so well respected and liked by both staff and management that she was honoured by being named to the Ontario Hostelry Institute’s (OHI) “Top 30 Under 30.”
The “Top 30 Under 30” is an annual recognition program that celebrates the hospitality and food service industry’s top 30 young professionals. The award program recognizes future generations of hospitality leaders who are already making a difference.
In nominating Ashley, Marion Jobe, Research Chair in Tourism at Guelph University said, “Ashley personifies the calibre of excellence exemplified by past winners of the OHI’s program and it was a pleasure to support her nomination.”
Karalyn White, general manager of Canyon Creek Chophouse also spoke highly of Ashley. “Despite having graduated a year earlier, her skills and work ethic far surpass many in the industry and she would be an excellent choice. Even as a first year manager her positive mindset and exceptional leadership style, has gained the trust and respect of the entire team,” she wrote in her nomination.
Then last month, Ashley received the unbelievable letter announcing she had been selected to receive the honour and she would be recognized at an OHI gala Gold Award Dinner later this month along with her colleagues.
“The award was a bit of a shock. I wasn’t expecting it,” Ashley said recently in an interview with Focus on Scugog.
So how was it that Ashley was able to attain this lofty level in her young career so quickly?
Her abilities were recognized long before she attended university in Guelph. In fact, as far back as 2002, while a student at Port Perry High School she was impressing her teachers and fellow students.
Then principal Tim Taylor spoke highly of Ashley, saying she sparkles with energy and enthusiasm. “She is an exceptional young woman. Her intellectual abilities, people skills, maturity and sensitivity hold much promise in the future for her and for those around her.”
After graduating from Port Perry High School, she enrolled in the school of hospitality and tourism management at Guelph University where she excelled, being chosen Valedictorian in 2007.
Following her graduation from Guelph University, Ashley teamed up with one of her professors to revamp the first year “Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Management” course. Three months later she left for Australia where she worked for an upscale seafood restaurant.
When her visa expired, she and her boyfriend left for southeast Asia, to experience different cultures in five countries. Two months later she returned to Canada by way of Australia and England.
In January 2007, SIR Corp president Corey Dalton searched Ashley out and toured her through the company’s restaurants - which include Jack Astors, Canyon Creek and a number of high-end fine dining restaurants in Toronto.
They kept in touch throughout that year and in December Ashley was introduced to Steve Proulx, president of eight Canyon Creek restaurants who hired her immediately.
Following three months training, in all positions, she landed her first job on Front St., Toronto. She is now service manager at the very high volume ($5 million year) Sherway Gardens restaurant.
As for the future, Ashley’s eyes sparkle with ideas and excitement. “I absolutely love the tourism business and working with people,” she says.
First this energetic young woman plans to return to school to get her Certified Management Accounting degree, to go along with her business degree.
“My ultimate goal is to own an eco-tourism lodge accompanied by a great restaurant.” She cites places like Banff and Jasper, Alberta as some of the most beautiful places on earth and a likely spot for this type of endeavour.
In the meantime, it’s back to Canyon Creek for this vibrant, passionate professional, where she will continue to serve the restaurant, staff and patrons with her special brand of enthusiasm.
Ashley may call Scugog home, but the world awaits this young entrepreneur with open arms.
By J. Peter Hvidsten
Focus on Scugog
Personalities
