In Kevin Birch’s line of work, balance is key.

The showman and seasoned waiter at Sandals Royal Caribbean is known for an exuberant serving style, never failing to put on a show for his guests by balancing food orders on his head or spinning trays from his fingertips. Outside of work, the skill is translated in less tangible terms, manifesting how he incorporates hobbies and family into his schedule.

Birch got his start in the hospitality industry in 2005 while still a student at vocational training agency HEART Trust/NTA where he was trained in front office operations and bartending. He had got the opportunity to wait an event at Sandals Royal Caribbean, where his “charisma and enthusiasm” caught a senior manager’s eye and landed him a part-time position as an apprentice.

“Whenever I was sent to serve, I felt as though I was in my element. I loved it and quickly became more comfortable doing it with each month.

“I knew it would be difficult and the hours would be long, but I just needed a foot in to make a lasting impression and secure a permanent position,” Birch said of his decision to accept the part-time apprenticeship while still in school.

After only a few months, Birch was selected among the first batch of employees for the Luxury Includedˆ® resort’s, Cricketers’ Pub — an English-style pub for which staff were required to maintain a lively atmosphere.

Then General Manager Jeremy Mutton enforced skills training to ensure that wait staff could entertain guests while serving. Intrigued and eager to make a lasting impression on his guests, Birch started out balancing bottles on his head and doing simple tray spinning techniques. With continued research and practice he soon added some complexity to his performance, balancing larger and heavier objects such as beach chairs on his nose. This, in addition to his excellent service and positive work ethic led him to become a crowd favourite, copping awards such as the General Manager’s Award, Smile and Courtesy, Legendary Award — Most Guests Nominated, and the internationally recognised Trip Advisor Exceptional Service Award.

For the past 11 years, he has worked six days a week but still maintains a healthy social life.

“Working in the service industry is rarely predictable, and so it is necessary to have a flexible schedule to accommodate impromptu requests. However, it is important for me to make the best use of my time off to enjoy car racing, playing pool, and spending quality time with my family,” he explained.

He conceded that maintaining a gregarious attitude is not always the easiest in such a fast-paced profession, but maintains that “the best way to approach work is with positivity…once you’re at work you’re on show”.

“I believe approach is contagious, therefore if I serve with a smile I generally get good feedback from my guests and that motivates me,” Birch said further.

The top performer and face of the Cricketer’s Pub at Sandals Royal Caribbean was recently transferred to the Regency Suite which represents a significant change. The spirited environment of the pub has given way to a more classic and elegant dining option. The Regency, which hosts over 200 guests, is more structured and requires more experienced wait staff.

“It was decided some time ago that, as part of his professional development, we would transfer him [to the Regency] to expose him to a more elaborate and sophisticated setting,” said Nataliea Corbett, restaurant manager at the Regency Suite. “It has been almost a year now and he has shown great progress and still manages to wow our guests during the nightly entertainment.”

Birch showcases his talents every Wednesday evening by singing, doing impersonations, or his all-time favourite: balancing objects.

“I have maintained some good relationships with guests, my colleagues, and my managers, so I feel at home when I’m at work,” Birch said. “My job has afforded me the opportunity to find my true self, to be bold, to take chances, and to develop myself personally and professionally.”

A self-described go-getter who graduated Maldon High School in Maroon Town, St James, in 2004, Birch has hopes of one day becoming a restaurant manager at the resort which gave him his start in the sector.