Our Event Team
Kara Agustin, Director of Sales and Event Management
As a trained chef with a degree in Culinary Arts and years of experience as a catering & private chef, Kara is the resident foodie in the Jewel office. Kara’s passion for working with clients and planning distinctive events tempted her away from the kitchen, but her enthusiasm for innovative cuisine and menu planning is unmistakable. Kara eagerly welcomes all client requests, with an aptitude for understanding even unspoken wishes. Living by the mantra, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” (thanks, Bobby McFerrin!) Kara greets every day with joy, a smile, and an unending supply of chocolate.
Alberto Malfavon, Event and Operations Coordinator
Alberto attended the University of Washington and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. Alberto's desire to help others lead him to work in Technical & Customer Support at Nintendo of America and later at Tableau Software. Alberto also teaches Salsa and Bachata at a local studio, enjoys social dancing (Bachata, Salsa, West Coast Swing), and records a video game podcast with friends in his spare time.
Nicole Jones, Event and Operations Coordinator
Nicole has over 12 years of experience in hospitality and restaurants; she has a great passion for this industry! She loves working with others and meeting new people. During the time she worked in restaurants and event planning, she learned so much about what it means to work hard as a team to ensure a smooth process for everyone involved. She loves to see the end result when all of the little details come together to make a perfect event. For Nicole, the best part about event planning is being involved in exciting events that make people happy! In her free time, she also enjoys spending time outdoors, going to concerts and spending time with her family and friends!
Our Management Team
Marcia Evans, CEO
Marcia began her company in the kitchen of her home over 25 years ago, and through a passion for culinary excellence, joyful events, and unrivaled customer service, has grown it into the preeminent hospitality company it is today. Her effervescence and optimism are contagious and her philosophy promotes understanding of each client and employee’s needs through open communication and continual attention to detail. She persistently strives to improve and to educate herself in the field of cutting edge industry techniques.
Doug Evans, Of Counsel
Doug plays many roles at Jewel Hospitality. His skill set includes procedure implementation, analysis of operational and financial efficiencies, pursuing new growth opportunities, and expertly disarming you with wit and sarcasm. He brings experience, insight, and an undeniable (if not hard to catch on to) sense of humor to the Jewel Hospitality office. Although Doug is a reigning Adult Hockey League champion, he is not one to rest on his laurels, and strives for improvement and success every day.
Grant Warner, President
Mr. Warner has over 30 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, including 25 years in management: 15 years in senior management, and over 5 years in Corporate Business Dining. Grant’s strength is with daily operations of high volume units. He is very proficient in P&L analysis, budgeting, and forecasting. He is accomplished as a manager of multi-unit restaurants with $18M in sales and has demonstrated leadership directing up to 500 team members. Through involvement in several restaurant openings, Grant has garnered invaluable experience in the development of training programs, leadership, and analysis including marketing and feasibility studies.
Cybal Lofton, CFO
Cybal attended Foster School of Business at the University of Washington and continued to receive her Masters of Professional Accounting. After spending several years in public account, she joined Jewel Hospitality. In her spare time, Cybal loves dancing salsa and west coast swing.
Vanessa Resler, Director of Marketing and Business Development
Vanessa graduated from the Foster School of business with an undergrad in accounting and a Masters of Professional Accounting. After only five months of public accounting she decided that taxes really weren't her thing, and she left to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. She has run two successful businesses on her own, and now is applying her entrepreneurial and marketing skills here at Jewel. When she is not working she can be found pumping iron in the powerlifting gym.