We know what it takes to be the best bartending school in DFW

The Premium Institute of Bartending Founders and Staff

President, David Phillips, possesses over 18 years of vocational education experience, 5 years of direct bartending experience, and graduated from the Bartending Academy in Jacksonville, FL in 1983.  With the real world experience of the service industry and the passion for changing lives, David Phillips founded The Premium Institute of Bartending in 2007.  He promotes an environment that encourages students to learn more than the basics of bartending.  David designed the bartending course to include professional development in addition to quality, hands-on training.

Campus Director, Rikki Phillips, has a Master’s Degree in Management and over 10 years management experience, including interviewing, hiring, and training quality employees.  Rikki teaches each student professional development skills, quality resume writing, and successful interviewing techniques.  Understanding the importance of quality education has made Rikki a remarkable instructor and leader.  She serves as an Ambassador for the Frisco Chamber of Commerce and is involved numerous community activities.   Her ability to network and build relationships within the community provides job placement opportunities to ambitious graduates of The Premium Institute of Bartending.

Dallas Texas Premier Bartending School  

Bartending Instructor at the Lewisville Campus, Danny Bristol, has established himself as a career bartender with nearly 10 years of hands-on bartending experience behind a variety of bars.  Danny has gained experience in all aspects of bar management, including the presentation and knowledge of a five-star restaraunt, the fast paced environment of night clubs and sports bars, and the laid back drink and food service of a water-front bar on the lake.  Danny's experience includes management and training roles. He has acted as a General Manager, Bar Manager, and Assistant Manager of various bars.  Bartending instruction allows Danny to continue to do what he is most passionate about - bartending and sharing his knowledge and expertise with others by teaching them to be the best bartender possible.    

Nikki Smith is the Adminstrative Assistant at the Lewisville Campus.  She is currently a full time student at the University of North Texas, pursing a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Marketing.  Nikki has a back ground in the service industry and having firsthand experience as a bartender.  She is able to relate and help encourage students about the new career field they are about to enter.  She is dedicated in helping the students make quality resumes with an emphasis on bartending so they feel confident to take to their resume to future employers. Nikki is eager to help all students, current and past; with anything they might need to find the perfect bartending job for them.

Promotions Coordinator, Angel Johns, is dedicated to building relationships with local bars and restaurants to offer students the opportunities to participate in local events.  Angel's background includes event coordination and marketing.  She has teamed with the Wing House in Arlington to promote their 2008 Wing House Calendar.  Angel is available to coordinate your next event including promotional materials and securing TABC Certified Bartenders.  Check out The Premium Institute of Bartending Event Calendar for upcoming parties and local events!

Lindsey Colby, Assistant Campus Director, was born and raised here in Lewisville TX. She graduated from Lewisville High School and received a full ride to Texas Tech University for cheerleading. She graduated from Texas Tech University in 2006 with her BA in Public Relations. She has 10 plus years in Retail Management/Customer Service experience. t. She has a passion for helping people and has never enjoyed anything more then what she is doing now! “This has been the most rewarding experience that I have ever been able to be a part of!” Lindsey said. She is also head of our externship program and job placement. This is always her number one priority. “Having the students call up to the school and thank me because they LOVE the job that we helped them find just makes my day!” she says.

Dawn Proper, Bartending Instructor at the Fort Worth Campus, has over 10 years of bartending experience in various settings including but not limited to, night clubs, private clubs, restaurants, hotels, and neighborhood bars. She enjoys the hotel setting best and currently bartends at The Embassy Suites. Dawn says that she enjoys being an instructor because of her passion for bartending and being able to teach others the job that has brought her so much joy. Dawn also has a Certificate from the Conrad Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Kim Draper, Admissions Director for the Dallas and Fort Worth Campuses, attends the University of North Texas and is pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Marketing.  Kim has over 5 years of customer service and sales experience.  She works hands on with each prospective student to answer their questions on scheduling, tuition, flexible payment plans, and to ensure that bartending is the right career choice for them based on their current situation and future goals.  Kim loves her job because she gets to see the student from day 1 when they know nothing about bartending through the program when they successfully graduate and start their job in the industry.  She says when the students call to thank her after their first big shift of tip earnings, it makes it worth all of her efforts!