Jimmy Dao

About Jimmy Dao

I’ve spent the last decade in the heart of Charleston’s hospitality industry, and if there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that a \"Five-Star\" experience is built on the invisible work done behind the scenes.My background is a mix of high-stakes service and operational leadership. I’ve had the privilege of supporting teams at nationally recognized establishments like Kultura and Pinkbellies, ensuring we met the standards required to earn recognition from The New York Times, James Beard, and Esquire. Whether I was managing a shift at Ding Tea or coordinating a kitchen during a high-volume launch, my focus has always been on the \"how\"—how to make an operation run more precisely, and how to lead a team through the rush.Recently, I’ve taken that commitment to discipline a step further by joining the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Yeoman (YN). My time in the Navy has already redefined my approach to work. From supporting the leadership of a division of 84 recruits in bootcamp to my current training in high-level administrative logistics, I’ve moved away from the kitchen and into the world of professional organization and personnel management.I’m currently bridging these two worlds—the \"hustle\" of local hospitality and the meticulous accuracy of military administration. I’m eager to bring this unique perspective to a management or operations role where the standard is high and the details matter.

Experience

1. Yeoman

   U.S. Navy Reserve

   Mar 2026 — Present · Charleston, SC, US

   Bootcamp Leadership: Appointed to a supporting leadership position overseeing a division of 84 recruits; responsible for unit accountability and discipline-Class Leadership: Selected for leadership responsibilities within a specialized \"A\" School class of 24 Yeomans, managing peer performance and administrative tasks-Administrative Training: Completed Navy \"A\" School with a focus on personnel logistics and standardized records maintenance; currently aiming to be engaged in advanced certification tracks for high-stakes administrative accuracy and project management.

Education

• Trident Technical College

  Associate of Arts - AA, Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies

• Careerist

  Sales Engineer Certificate, Sales Engineering