MY STORY: JILL COCKSON

Event Details: Network from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Meet Jill Cockson, managing partner and head bartender of The Other Room, Lincoln’s own speakeasy. Recently nominated by the James Beard Foundation (a nonprofit that honors all things culinary) the hide-away was named a semifinalist for an Outstanding Bar Program award. With a combination of being self-taught and inspired by other industry leaders, Cockson quickly fell in love with the dynamic atmosphere and ability to have control over income potential - you get out what you put in. “I was raised by a Marine with a household mantra of 'If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well.' I am drawn to small scale, focused projects that strive to execute one thing to its fullest potential, as opposed to attempting ten things that can only be executed half-way. There is a paradigm shift (or, shift back) happening that reflects a more traditional 'butcher, baker, candlestick maker' philosophy. Service environments are being reclaimed as businesses that do not need to be for everyone. In short, good business is not about pleasing every person who walks in the door. It's about choosing whose business you want to attract.” Cockson is from Bellwood, Neb.and also the owner/CEO of Rabbit & Turtle Beverage Corp. See a recent OWH article about her, here.