Meet Presley Aponte of Arizona

Today we’d like to introduce you to Presley Aponte.

Hi Presley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my career in the hospitality industry at just 15, working as a cashier at Whataburger. While attending college, I gained further experience as a host at Texas Roadhouse, where I developed a strong foundation in guest service. At 19, once I became eligible to serve alcohol, I secured my first serving position at Sumomaya in Scottsdale, Arizona. There, I thrived in a high-volume, fast-paced environment, mastering multitasking and refining my customer service skills.
My passion for hospitality and creativity behind the bar led me to transition into a bartending role, where I quickly discovered a natural talent for mixology. This opened the door to an exciting opportunity at Maple & Ash Scottsdale, where I further honed my craft and developed advanced skills in creating elevated, craft cocktails.
Today, I oversee the beverage program at Maple & Ash Scottsdale and proudly serve as a key member of the opening task force team. In this role, I collaborate on beverage menu development for multiple concepts under Maple Hospitality Group, helping shape innovative, high-quality drink experiences across various locations.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey, like many others, has had its share of ups and downs. Being younger than most of my peers at the time, I knew I had to work twice as hard to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to perform at the level I aspired to. I chose to view my age as an advantage—it allowed me to absorb information quickly and bring fresh perspective in line with the evolving trends of a new generation.
I’ve been extremely fortunate to be surrounded by talented, skilled professionals who have invested their time and knowledge in my growth. Their guidance has been invaluable. Throughout it all, I’ve remained committed to maintaining a positive attitude, embracing constructive criticism, and adapting to challenges with resilience.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
On a day-to-day basis, I oversee bar operations, with a focus on curating craft cocktails and developing unique flavors and seasonal menus. One of the things I’m most proud of is seeing the cocktails I’ve created—or contributed to—become some of the most requested drinks on the menu.
I’m often recognized for the energy I bring behind the bar. I aim to create a fun, welcoming atmosphere for every guest and keep the overall vibe upbeat and engaging. What truly sets me apart is my positive mindset, strong work ethic, and relentless drive to grow and innovate within the craft cocktail space.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for anyone just starting out is to surround yourself with people who are willing to invest in you and your growth. Be open to learning—stay the extra hours, ask questions, and challenge yourself to walk away knowing more than you did the day before. Seek inspiration from others, explore new experiences, and stay curious about the things you’ve yet to discover.
Most importantly, always remain humble. Treat everyone you encounter with kindness and respect—you never know who might shape your journey.