Tyler earned his MS Diploma in 2022. Prior to earning his credential, Tyler worked as a sommelier for a Wine Spectator Grand Award winning wine program in the Pacific Northwest, and as Education & Training Director for ten restaurants in the Seattle area.
Currently Tyler serves as Director of Food & Beverage at Willows Lodge in Woodinville, Washington, whose programs have earned accolades from Wine Spectator (“12 Prime Wine Restaurants in the Pacific NW”, 2022) and Wine Enthusiast (“Best Restaurants for Wine in the Nation”, 2024).
Tyler was named Washington Hospitality Association’s ‘Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year’ in 2019; he is also a Certified Cicerone and a graduate of the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business.
How has being a MS supported you in your current role?
The journey to the Master Sommelier credential was invaluable to developing a wide and nuanced appreciation for the world of food and beverage. Developing an expertise empowers you to create valuable guest experiences tableside; refining service expertise and business acumen helps you grow a healthy program that has a lasting impact on the guests as well as your team.
What made you want to become an MS?
I wanted to become the best beverage and service professional I could, in order to best serve my guests. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know, and here we are.
What advice do you give those who are pursuing certification?
Chart a course, know your ‘why’, and keep pushing! If you have a solid reason, if you tackle the hard work, and if you find joy in the journey, you’ll find success.
