Our Team

Our team has a combined 50+ years of experience in the restaurant and marketing fields to lean on.

Sojin Thompson

Managing Partner

Sojin began working in commercial kitchens at a very early age, and then, with his first restaurant job in high school, he quickly developed a passion for the industry. In addition to his extensive work in hospitality, Sojin has contributed to the non-profit and education sectors, reflecting his strong commitment to being involved in the community. Bilingual in Spanish, he is also a trained medical interpreter, highlighting his diverse skill set.

Sojin’s extensive restaurant experience spans operations of various sizes and styles, under diverse management and ownership structures. He appreciates the unique advantages of small, family-run establishments and the strengths of larger, corporate-like entities. With a firm belief in the potential for growth, Sojin emphasizes the importance of intentional and measurable actions to transform businesses into the realized dreams of their owners.

His experience includes managing iconic venues such as the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas and consulting on projects internationally. Sojin is also a ServSafe Instructor and an instructor of ManageFirst, a nationally accredited hospitality management program used by higher learning institutions around the country.

Monce Galvan

Account Executive & Consultant

Moncé Galvan has over 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, with a focus on bar operations and beverage program development. She has worked across concepts ranging from high-volume bars to neighborhood restaurants, giving her practical insight into both guest service and operational management.

She specializes in cocktail program design, cost control, and staff training, helping operators create profitable menus and stronger service standards. Moncé also collaborates with tequila brands on education, menu development, and promotions – bringing operators unique opportunities to engage guests and elevate their programs.

Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is known for her hands-on approach and ability to streamline systems that improve consistency, communication, and the guest experience.

Patricia Topping

Culinary Specialist

Patricia (Trish) brings over 20 years of diverse culinary experience, and a practical and results-oriented approach to Heard Consulting. She has worked with a wide range of restaurants and culinary concepts, focusing on elevating operational standards and optimizing kitchen performance.

Patricia’s expertise encompasses menu development, operational efficiency, inventory systems, and team development, ensuring each culinary concept is both creative and sustainable. Her approach is rooted in hands-on experience, allowing her to develop tailored solutions by directly addressing the unique challenges within each kitchen environment. She specializes in optimizing workflows, enhancing productivity, and implementing systems that promote consistency and reduce waste.

Her work combines practical knowledge with strategic planning, empowering kitchens to achieve operational excellence. Patricia’s commitment to hands-on problem-solving and her comprehensive understanding of kitchen dynamics make her a valuable asset to any culinary operation.

Mateo Bustamante

Media Specialist

With more than 10 years of experience in the multimedia industry, Mateo Bustamante has established himself as one of the most versatile visual creators around. He has directed and produced content for internationally recognized brands such as Nike, Converse and Evacol, as well as for prominent artists in the urban genre, salsa and vallenato.

His portfolio combines skills as a photographer, videographer and creative director, with a strong ability to conceptualize powerful ideas and execute them with a high aesthetic standard. It is characterized by its strategic vision, team leadership and narrative sensitivity that connects with the audience.

Mateo not only masters the technique, but also understands the value of a well-told story. Each project he leads is guided by a mix of creativity, experience and attention to detail, with a clear focus on achieving results that impact.