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Hello, I’m James Zurek, a people-centered leader with over 20 years of hands-on experience in hospitality management, youth counseling, and digital branding. I excel at building warm, high-performing teams, delivering extraordinary guest experiences, and translating complex ideas into clear, practical actions. My work blends crisis management, customer service excellence, and creative problem-solving to create lasting impact for both guests and communities. Today I helm Jimmy Zurek Studio, where I fuse AI-assisted branding, digital content strategy, and client storytelling to help brands engage with empathy and creativity. I’m passionate about learning new technologies, mentoring others, and driving growth through thoughtful, human-centered design.…Hello, I’m James Zurek, a people-centered leader with over 20 years of hands-on experience in hospitality management, youth counseling, and digital branding. I excel at building warm, high-performing teams, delivering extraordinary guest experiences, and translating complex ideas into clear, practical actions. My work blends crisis management, customer service excellence, and creative problem-solving to create lasting impact for both guests and communities. Today I helm Jimmy Zurek Studio, where I fuse AI-assisted branding, digital content strategy, and client storytelling to help brands engage with empathy and creativity. I’m passionate about learning new technologies, mentoring others, and driving growth through thoughtful, human-centered design.

James Zurek

Creative Director, Content Creator, Brand Designer, +2

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Hello, I’m James Zurek, a people-centered leader with over 20 years of hands-on experience in hospitality management, youth counseling, and digital branding. I excel at building warm, high-performing teams, delivering extraordinary guest experiences, and translating complex ideas into clear, practical actions. My work blends crisis management, customer service excellence, and creative problem-solving to create lasting impact for both guests and communities. Today I helm Jimmy Zurek Studio, where I fuse AI-assisted branding, digital content strategy, and client storytelling to help brands engage with empathy and creativity. I’m passionate about learning new technologies, mentoring others, and driving growth through thoughtful, human-centered design.…Hello, I’m James Zurek, a people-centered leader with over 20 years of hands-on experience in hospitality management, youth counseling, and digital branding. I excel at building warm, high-performing teams, delivering extraordinary guest experiences, and translating complex ideas into clear, practical actions. My work blends crisis management, customer service excellence, and creative problem-solving to create lasting impact for both guests and communities. Today I helm Jimmy Zurek Studio, where I fuse AI-assisted branding, digital content strategy, and client storytelling to help brands engage with empathy and creativity. I’m passionate about learning new technologies, mentoring others, and driving growth through thoughtful, human-centered design.

Available to hire

Hello, I’m James Zurek, a people-centered leader with over 20 years of hands-on experience in hospitality management, youth counseling, and digital branding. I excel at building warm, high-performing teams, delivering extraordinary guest experiences, and translating complex ideas into clear, practical actions. My work blends crisis management, customer service excellence, and creative problem-solving to create lasting impact for both guests and communities.

Today I helm Jimmy Zurek Studio, where I fuse AI-assisted branding, digital content strategy, and client storytelling to help brands engage with empathy and creativity. I’m passionate about learning new technologies, mentoring others, and driving growth through thoughtful, human-centered design.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Youth Outreach Worker / Counselor at Youth Outreach Services

January 1, 1995 - January 1, 2001

Mentored and supported at-risk youth within Black & Latino communities, specializing in crisis management, emotional support, and trust-based communication. Handled a caseload of 25 clients, including assessments, goal planning, advocacy, and family communication. Facilitated personal development programs, helping young people build confidence and stability. Strengthened communication, empathy, and conflict resolution—skills now essential across service and corporate roles.

Head Server at THE GREAT ESCAPE

January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2011

Led serving team, trained new staff, and ensured top-tier dining experiences in a high-volume environment. Boosted repeat business through consistent communication, relationship-building, and strong guest rapport. Coordinated between FOH and BOH to maintain workflow and efficiency during peak hours.

Private Dining & Events Server at GIBSON’S STEAKHOUSE / MONTGOMERY CLUB

January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2016

Delivered 5-star private dining experiences for VIP guests, celebrities, executives, and corporate clients. Managed detailed event execution including setup, service pacing, coordination with chefs, sommeliers, and management teams. Executed events for 50–200+ guests with precision, timing, and luxury service etiquette. Strengthened elite-level communication, adaptability, and professionalism.

Front of House Manager / Opening Team at Valor Restaurant

January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2025

Key contributor to the restaurant’s grand opening and operational buildout, establishing service systems, floor standards, and communication structures still used today. Trained staff in hospitality excellence, wine knowledge, safety standards, and guest communication to increase consistency, confidence, and customer satisfaction. Developed deep repeat clientele through warmth, professionalism, and service recovery strategies. BASSET certified; oversaw table flow, shift leadership, conflict resolution, scheduling, inspiring a calm and strong team culture. Rebuilt systems for Valor’s 2025 reopening, retraining staff, and restoring dining quality.

Founder & Creative Director at Jimmy Zurek Studio / Occupy The Room

January 1, 2022 - Present

Produce AI-assisted digital art, branding, video content, campaigns, and social media for multiple clients. Manage content pipelines, client communication, analytics, and strategic marketing decisions. Build community-focused digital storytelling encouraging empowerment and creativity. Oversee all operations from concept to delivery.