Dan Nowak
Tall Guy & CEO, Brazen Standard Hospitality
When he first started in the catering industry in 2009, Dan wanted to prove to himself that it’s possible to build a brand that made a positive impact. Over a decade later, Tall Guy and a Grill has expanded into a growing family of hospitality brands, intent on making Wisconsin a renown destination for leading culinary talent, warm hospitality and unforgettably good food.
Brazen Standard Hospitality allows Dan to build a family of brands that work together to continue the mission for a more sustainable, local-supporting industry.
Alissa Shiffman
COO & Partner, Brazen Standard Hospitality
After years of following Tall Guy and a Grill Catering, Alissa recognized they were doing something truly special. She admired their standards for ingredients and service, while making a positive impact on the city. As General Manager, Alissa manages the details that keep multiple teams in harmony.
Since joining the Tall Guy team, Alissa has seen the positive impact of being an inclusive team that celebrate differences, so it’s important to her that team members feel recognized at Brazen Standard Hospitality. “We’re like a band of misfit toys that belong together. We each have really cool, unique superpowers and backgrounds that make up an incredibly talented team.”
Joanna Cieslak
Executive Chef, Brazen Standard Hospitality
Joanna Cieslak brings over 15 years of culinary leadership to her role as Executive Chef at Brazen Standard Hospitality. With more than three years at Tall Guy and a Grill, Joanna oversees all culinary operations, from food ordering to staff scheduling and menu execution. She ensures that each dish meets the highest standards, contributing to Brazen Standard’s reputation for quality and creativity in Milwaukee’s culinary scene.
Stacey Christian
Sales & Development Manager, Brazen Standard Hospitality
Stacey Christian serves as the Sales & Development Manager at Brazen Standard Hospitality, where she oversees all wedding sales and manages relationships with vendors and key clients. She brings nearly 20 years of catering and event planning experience, making her a true expert at creating inspiring events, thinking through every last detail, and bringing clients’ visions to life.
Before joining Brazen Standard, Stacey successfully launched and grew a thriving catering division, demonstrating her strategic insights, relationship-building expertise, and dedication to client satisfaction. She is an essential part of Brazen Standard’s growth and continued success.
Sam Mattek
Executive Chef, Tall Guy and a Grill Catering
Sam Mattek is the Executive Chef for Tall Guy and a Grill Catering, with over a decade of culinary experience and more than three years with the company. She leads all food execution for Tall Guy, managing kitchen prep teams, training staff, and overseeing offsite catered events to ensure quality and consistency. Sam’s dedication to exceptional food and seamless service delivery contributes to the Tall Guy reputation for excellence in catering.
Erica Westfahl
Corporate Account Manager, Brazen Standard Hospitality
Erica Westfahl is the Corporate Account Manager at Tall Guy and a Grill, heading the non-wedding sales division with nearly 15 years of hospitality experience. Her background includes general and bar management roles at local restaurants, providing her with a deep understanding of customer needs and service standards. With almost four years at Tall Guy, Erica is instrumental in building corporate client relationships, contributing to growth and enhancing the company’s reputation for exceptional service.
Jamie Midday
Logistics Manager, Brazen Standard Hospitality
Jamie brings over a decade and a half of hospitality and logistics knowledge to the team. She ensures flawless coordination across events for all the company’s brands. With a focus on efficiency and precision, Jamie manages resources and operations to maintain the highest standards of service. Her dedication to seamless logistics and passion for hospitality are key to delivering outstanding experiences for clients and guests alike.