Meet the Team: Kellie Duffy
In this series, we will take a deeper dive into the talented people who make up the Bottleneck family.
Kellie is a Manager at City Works in Vernon Hills, IL and recently completed our Manager in Training program. In our interview, we learn a little more about the program and what has gotten Kellie to where she is, including support from her team and singing with Carrie Underwood.
How did you discover Bottleneck?
“I discovered Bottleneck on a Facebook ad while I was job searching during the pandemic. I had never been to a City Works before so I decided to try something new and applied as a server, then worked my way into bartending, and now I’m in management.”
What did you think of our Manager in Training program?
“What I liked about the MIT program was the length of the training itself. I loved how I got time with each position and got to learn the role in case I need to step in to assist a team member. Anytime I needed a question answered or more assistance there was always support there to clear things up for me and help me learn the correct way of doing the task at hand.”
Is there anything that sets Bottleneck apart from other companies you have worked with?
“For me, it would be the way they want to help an employee grow if they choose to. I feel that when I wanted to grow into the management role, I was really directed in the right direction to find the best fit for me and had support around me during my training. I also feel that this company takes the training seriously to make sure we are set up for success.”
What do you enjoy about working with the team/company?
“The fact that it’s not the end of the world if you don’t know how to do something or make a mistake. I feel that if I make a mistake it’s like “yes, this was not the best route but next time try doing it this way…” and they coach you on errors rather than making you feel bad about it. I really feel like I have the opportunity to make a call and have the support behind me.”
Is there a particular moment or memory that stands out for you during training or your time with Bottleneck in general?
“I think one thing that stands out for me is the transition from bartending into management. While I was a bartender I really started to bond with some of my regulars, so when I told them I was moving to a different store to pursue management they all hugged me, congratulated me, and vowed to visit where I’ll be working. I think that building that relationship with guests and making them regulars made me feel special; that I was able to grow the business even if it was one guest. ”
Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
“In 2018 I won a contest held by my favorite country singer Carrie Underwood and got to perform with her on stage at the United Center in front of a full crowd. I conquered some fears there and being able to accomplish that really boosted my confidence. I had such a big fear of public speaking (let alone singing), but doing that has really helped me with talking to people on a grand scale. Being in this role at City Works means talking to people every day, and that contest helped me to just open up and be myself.”
What Inspires you?
“I would say people’s drive is something that inspires me. I thrive off of those around me and if I’m around happy, confident people that really go after what they want, it pushes me to achieve my goals and helps me believe that anything is possible…you just gotta go get it. ”
What’s your go-to order at City Works?
“My favorite food item right now is the Cajun Linguine or the Nashville Hot Chicken Wrap with a side salad and an IPA/APA beer or Cranberry Mojito to drink.”
What do you think other people should know about this organization?
“Bottleneck will go out of their way to help you grow and succeed. You aren’t going to be “thrown to the wolves” and you’ll get the training you need to be successful. The management team of each store strives to make sure each shift runs smooth and tries to make the job fun. Everyone here has such an open door policy and you can go to anyone with anything you need and they’re here for you.”
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
“I really enjoy relaxing at home and catching up on my shows. If I’m feeling artistic I like to get outside and play around with my camera taking pictures of whatever I can find. You can most likely find me and my fiancé on a golf course (weather permitting of course), as we very much love to golf — maybe one day I’ll actually be good at golf, but hey, A for effort.”
Our people are the key to our success and we are proud to have Kellie as a part of the BM team.