Behind the Bar, Beside My Daughter

By Dre Masso, co-creator and Global Ambassador of Altos tequila

When people ask me how I’ve managed to balance an extensive career in hospitality while being a devoted dad, I can’t help but laugh a little!

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s this: it’s a constant juggling act! And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’m based in London and have worked in virtually every corner of the bar world—from barback to bar manager and owner to brand ambassador and everything in between. 

I’ve seen it all. And yes, some days, it feels like I’m living in the fast lane. But then there’s my daughter, the one who keeps me grounded and reminds me that, despite the long nights, overseas trips, crazy hours, and fast-paced chaos of the hospitality industry, being her dad is what truly matters most.

There are days when it feels like there’s not enough time to go around! But the secret lies in planning ahead. I make use of every spare moment—whether it’s a brief phone call with my daughter while traveling or a FaceTime chat during breakfast on the go. These small moments help me stay connected.

Of course, I wouldn’t be able to pull off this balancing act without a strong support system. The saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and I can honestly say that I’ve seen it proven true time and time again, from the early years, when I relied heavily on my partner, family, and colleagues to help me juggle everything, to now, as my daughter grows into a confident and independent young person. 

She’s now at an age where she manages herself pretty well: handling her schoolwork, making decisions, and even helping me out when needed. It’s a beautiful reminder that “the village is always there,” but eventually, you get to watch your child take the reins and thrive on their own.

On the other side, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that asking for help is okay. Sometimes the answer isn’t “I’ve got this,” but “Can you help me out here?” Whether it’s my partner covering a school run or a colleague handling a tricky situation at work, asking for support doesn’t make you weak; it makes you smart. And when everyone pulls together, we all win.

It’s funny, but people often ask me how working in bars and restaurants has affected my parenting. Honestly, there’s a lot of crossover. The answer is that any skills I’ve developed over the years—like multitasking, staying calm under pressure, and reading a room—are incredibly useful when handling a particularly stressful parenting moment.

The hospitality industry has also taught me how to adapt. Things are constantly changing, whether it’s a surprise rush at the bar or a last-minute school event. You can’t always plan for everything, but you can always adjust. The same goes for parenting: flexibility is key.

Okay, let’s be real. Taking care of yourself while traveling, working long shifts, and raising a child is tough. But you can’t pour from an empty cup. I make sure I dedicate time to recharge. Is it easy? Absolutely not. But whether it’s sneaking in a quiet moment before the chaos starts, going to the gym, or taking a short walk during a break, it’s important to prioritize yourself, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day. And when you do get that rare moment of peace (even in the middle of a chaotic night shift), take a deep breath, smile, and remember: it’s all worth it.

Looking ahead, I know my daughter is growing up in a world that’s different from mine. She’ll likely experience a completely different pace of life and work, and maybe that means things will be a bit more balanced as she gets older. 

To anyone in this industry, whether you’re a parent or not, you’ve got this! It’s all about finding your rhythm, trusting your team, and embracing the chaos as part of the beautiful ride that is both parenting and hospitality.So, raise a glass to the crazy, hectic, rewarding journey we’re all on, and remember, you’re never alone in it!