Assistant Director of Food and Beverage
805.801.6722
ckrotke@cordilleraranch.com
Hometown: Sparks, Nevada
What past job experiences prepared you for this position at the Club?
My 30 years in hospitality, progressing through the ranks into leadership roles, have fully prepared me for this position. Over the past decade, I’ve worked in exclusive private clubs and high-end private dining environments across Nevada, California and Texas, where attention to detail, consistency and elevated service are essential. Every role has contributed to my ability to lead teams, refine operations and deliver exceptional experiences.
What has been your most rewarding member experience at the Club?
One of the most rewarding moments was when a member noticed from a distance that I was having a challenging moment. They called me over, gave me a hug and offered genuine encouragement, reminding me that I was doing a good job. It was unexpected and meaningful. Experiences like that, along with consistent support and warm welcomes from many of our members, have made a lasting impact and truly define what makes this Club community special.
What has been your greatest professional challenge?
Ensuring that my time is spent where it has the greatest impact, supporting my team, maintaining operational excellence and enhancing the member experience. Balancing those priorities is a constant and rewarding challenge.
Describe your most happy life experience?
Raising my two boys with my amazing wife, surrounded by the support of grandparents and siblings, has been my greatest joy. Being part of their growth and sharing that journey as a close-knit family is something I value deeply.
What would your slogan be if you were a brand?
“Organized chaos, professionally managed.”
What motivates you to succeed?
My family and my team are what motivate me most. I want to set the right example for my kids, showing them the value of hard work, consistency and doing things the right way. At the same time, I feel a strong responsibility to my team to lead with purpose, create stability and build an environment where people can grow, succeed and take pride in what they do. That combination of personal and professional accountability is what drives me every day.
Excluding food and water, what two things would you want if stranded on an island?
A multitool and whoever thought it was a good idea to send me to an island.
Which superpower would you like to have and how would you use it?
Remote Control for People. Pause, rewind or redirect when needed.
If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be?
First, health and happiness for my family. Second, the ability to create real opportunities for others. Third… maybe the ability to pause time, just long enough to catch up on everything and enjoy it a little more.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A professional bowler.
If you could time travel, where would you go?
I’d look ahead to seeing how today’s decisions shape the future.
What was your most recent adventure?
My most recent adventure was visiting the Club with my family for the first time. From the moment we arrived, the warmth and genuine hospitality from both the staff and members made it a truly memorable experience. The thoughtful planning by the team made the day extra special, complete with a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny, a wonderful meal and time spent at the park fishing together. Seeing my family enjoy the Ranch and connect with everyone made it incredibly meaningful. It was a day we won’t forget.
Who would your ideal guests at a dinner party be?
I’d go with a mix of personalities that would keep things interesting: Jack Black for the energy and humor, Ben Stiller for the dry wit, and Freddie Mercury to bring the music and presence. And for the wildcard, Anthony Bourdain, to keep the conversation real, grounded and full of great stories. It would be a lively, well-rounded evening with plenty of laughs, perspective and probably some unforgettable moments.
If you could only eat one type of cuisine for the rest of your life, what would you choose, and why?
I would choose Japanese cuisine. I was fortunate to be influenced by a Japanese family growing up, where I was introduced to the culture and its approach to food. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for the simplicity, balance and attention to detail, and it’s something I’ve continued to enjoy ever since.
What’s on your bucket list?
Traveling to space!



