Ed Mah

Over the span of a few years Ed Mah’s hard work and dedication have led to a successful career in tourism as a food and beverage manager in the Okanagan.

At the prompting of a friend working at the Manteo Resort, Ed made a move to Kelowna following a successful tenure managing a popular Penticton eatery. Prior to that, he honed his service skills in the retail sector.

After a year conquering challenges as the resort’s food and beverage supervisor he comfortably moved into the position of assistant food and beverage manager. No sooner had he settled in, when the food and beverage manager position opened up for him. Ed now oversees the restaurant aspect of the Manteo Resort, ensuring a sensational dining experience for guests of the Wild Apple Grill.

Simply put, Ed’s overall responsibility is ensuring the restaurant runs well from both the front service end and the back culinary end. Managing staff, standards, and service are his core tasks. Budgeting, forecasting, and labour analysis are among his financial duties. And it doesn’t stop here. Overseeing liquor inventory, menu rotations, and wine lists are ongoing responsibilities. Having a great team to delegate duties to contributes to the restaurant’s and his success.

Having worked with people most of his life he knows that, above all, tourism is about people. Relating well to both co-workers and customers is a necessity. But as natural as working with people comes to him, he acknowledges that, “Managing different types of personalities is not always easy and is often the greatest test of ability.”

Operationally, turnover is his greatest challenge, followed by meeting budget demands. “Many people join the industry temporarily, to make money while enroute to other things. It can be difficult to build a seamless guest atmosphere, season over season, when continuity in service and standards is often disrupted by staff changes.” Perhaps this is why he says loyalty to his job and the industry are key contributors to his own success along with hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to continually expand his knowledge.

To succeed in the industry Ed suggests that career seekers commit to learning from others, stick with it no matter what and to truly enjoy working with people. In the end, Ed’s greatest reward is the success of his staff. “Teaching and guiding new employees into top-notch performers is the best part of my work.” This is just one of the qualities that make this food and beverage manager a real example of opportunity and advancement in BC.’s thriving tourism industry.