Austin Gagnon

Austin Gagnon started his bartending venture in Upstate New York in the spring of 2001. He was trained by a well-known bar owner in a local fast bar in Troy, New York. After completing two years of college and receiving an Associate Degree in Physical Education from HVCC, Austin decided to transfer and finish out his remaining years of college in beautiful Miami, Florida. While attending Barry University in Miami Shores, Austin put himself through college working in some of the most popular bars in South Florida including Bed, Club Deep, The Fifth, Revolution Live, The Social Lubricant in the Wynwood District in Miami, and the world famous Clevelander Hotel on Ocean Drive where he worked as a bartender for 7 years. Austin has also worked and is currently responsible for staffing many sporting events, concerts, and Venues such as bartender staffing for both the University of Miami and Miami Dolphins football teams, the Miami Marlins, the Miami Heat (2011, 2012,2013, 2014,2015) the world renowned Ultra Music Festival (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014,2015), South Beach Seafood Festival (2013,2014,2015) Miami Fine Chocolate and Food Show (2013,2014. 2015) Calle Ocho (2010,2011,2012), and NFL Tailgate parties for the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl. Austin graduated from Barry University in 2006, receiving a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. It was at this time that the idea of establishing an Elite Bartending School in a league of it’s own started to take shape. Austin wanted to share the knowledge, experiences, and skills that he learned in the bar business over the years with others. In 2009 Elite Bartending School’s first location opened in Miami Beach and fast became the #1 Bartending School in South Florida. Austin takes pride in providing his students with an exceptional education and learning experience to help them in their pursuit to become a successful bartender and excel in mixology and customer satisfaction.

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Dexter Stewart

Email: [email protected]

Hey there! I'm Dexter and I started exactly where you are today.

My journey began working in high volume nightclubs, bars, and music festivals across the country. I learned quickly that bartending isn’t just about pouring drinks, it’s about speed, precision, showmanship, and making people feel something every time they sit at your bar. I also fell in love with the craft of mixology creating signature cocktails, building bar programs, and constantly leveling up.

That experience shaped everything we teach at Elite.

This school isn’t just about getting a certificate it’s about preparing you to walk into ANY bar or event with confidence and skill. We train you like a pro because we expect you to be one. We expect you to be ELITE. And the best part? We staff our own graduates at major events all over the state, so the opportunities don’t stop when class ends.

If you show up and put in the work, I promise we’ll help you get to that next level! I’ve been there and now I’m here to guide you through it.

Welcome to ELITE.

Miranda Schmidt

Email: [email protected]

Miranda’s love of health and wellness, cooking, and being around people quickly led her down the path to Hospitality. In late 2012 within days of moving to Miami Beach she attended Elite Bartending School, where she exceled in her new craft. Miranda thrived in the program, graduating top of her class, and as one of Elite Bartending Schools best students ever. Miranda quickly landing a high volume bartending job within days of graduating at the famous Automatic Slims. Miranda worked there for over a year, building up her skills and speed behind the bar. After mastering high volume, Miranda was curious to expand her knowledge on Mixology and customer service. Venturing out into the hospitality Mecca that is Miami Beach she fulfilled her next goal by getting hired at the Prestigious Living Room Lounge inside the W Hotel South Beach, serving craft cocktails to Miami’s Elite and Rich and Famous. During this time Miranda also picked up many events for Elite Bartending School, quickly becoming their head bartender for all major events in South Florida. Miranda continues to work many events all over South Florida staffed exclusively by Elite Bartending School, such as the world famous Ultra Music Festival (2014,2015) Fantasy Fest Key West (2014,2015) South Beach Seafood Festival (2014,2015) Cadillac Golf Championship at Triumph National Miami (2014,2015) to name a few. In 2014 Miranda joined the Elite Bartending School’s team of educators, and has since taught and prepared hundreds of todays students for the world of bartending. Miranda’s passion for education, teaching and her continued love of bartending stays with her students long after they come through the course.

Bethanie Brown

Email: [email protected]

Bethanie is a seasoned bartender and mixologist with years of hands-on experience in high-end cocktail bars, busy nightclubs, and large scale events. She brings a sharp eye for detail, a deep love for the craft, and a commitment to helping the next generation of bartenders not survive, but thrive!

Known for her professionalism and passion, Bethanie doesn’t just teach, she inspires. From mastering speed and accuracy to learning the art of mixology and hospitality, she makes sure every student leaves the program ready to step behind any bar with confidence.

As a certified Elite Instructor, Bethanie leads with experience, energy, and a genuine desire to see her students succeed. Whether you’re shaking your first cocktail or prepping for your first big event, you’ll be learning from one of the best in the industry.