Future Proof
is a bar training program built by renowned bartenders to provide foundational knowledge and techniques to excel as a hospitality professional.

What is Future Proof
There are many paths through the hospitality industry, so here, you’ll find the insights of celebrated trailblazers who actively shape bar programs around the world today.
Why Future Proof
- Certified by FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Supported by Bacardi U.S.A, a part of family-owned Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world
- Built in collaboration with award winning bar operators
- Foundational and functional bar skills built to be FUTURE PROOF
Meet Your Creators of Future Proof & The Better Bar Method

Claire Sprouse
Sustainability Advocate
Claire Sprouse has bartended, managed, and consulted at some of the country's most well-known and awarded cocktail institutions, from Houston to San Francisco, and now New York City. She opened her first bar --Hunky Dory in Brooklyn, New York (2019), followed by Buddy in San Francisco, California (2021). For over the last decade of her hospitality career, Sprouse has worked vigorously to address the industry’s influence on climate change, with a focus on educating and consulting on sustainable practices for audiences around the globe. Her commitment to these goals have been recognized by many, including Tales of the Cocktail “Sustainable Spirit Award” 2015; “Golden Spirit Educator Award” 2016, Southern Foodways Alliance “Future of the South” Fellowship 2020, and Drinks International “Bar World 100 of the Most Influential Figures”, 2019, 2020, 2021.

Jim Meehan
Cocktail Philosopher
Jim Meehan’s hospitality career spans over twenty-five years from Madison, Wisconsin to New York City to Portland, Oregon, where he oversees beverage for Snow Peak USA. Meehan also serves as the global mixologist for American Express Centurion airport lounges and as an advisor to Banks Rums, which he co-founded. After editing multiple editions of Food & Wine Cocktails and Mr. Boston Official Bartender’s Guide; Jim authored his own books-The PDT Cocktail Bookand Meehan’s Bartender Manual-which have become industry favorites worldwide. Jim’s passion for service, quest for further knowledge, belief in the transformative power of hospitality, and commitment to mentor the industries next generation is only divided by his duties as a proud father and devoted husband.

Steve Schneider
Global Bar Operator
Steve Schneider has earned a reputation as one of the most respected and successful bartenders in the industry. Now a nineteen-year veteran of the bar business, Steve rose to prominence as Principal Bartender and Bar Manager of pioneering cocktail bar Employees Only (EO). In June of 2016, he became a partner in Employees Only Singapore, the company’s first expansion outside of NYC. Today, he is an operator, shareholder, and investor in multiple venues across the world.
A former US Marine, Steve’s first career in the military was cut short after a nearly fatal accident left him in a coma. When he miraculously recovered, he took the first job he could find – a position at a local dive bar. However, Steve found himself enjoying the fast-paced environment and the science behind creating a truly stunning craft cocktail. He soon turned the initially temporary stint into a serious life change and worked tirelessly on the frontlines of the cocktail renaissance to achieve a level of success seldom seen at that point in time in the bar industry. “I almost died in a bar,” Steve says of that night, “And I was reborn in a bar.”
Steve has racked up a long list of accolades and appearances, but some of the most notable are Twitch Channel ‘mightyschneidey’ – formerly The Steve Schneider Show – (2015 Podcast available on iTunes and Google Play), Hey Bartender (Documentary), 2015 Bartender of the Year – Nightclub and Bar Media Group, 2012 Cocktail World Cup Champion (42 Below, New Zealand), VH1 Big Morning Buzz, Jamie Oliver’s DrinksTube, Watch What Happens Live ESPN, New York Times, Wall Street Journal.

Gui Jaroschy
Co-founder Unfiltered
Gui was born and raised in Austin, Texas where a love of food, drink, and hospitality was instilled at an early age. He is the co-founder of Unfiltered, a full service consulting and brand development company based in Miami, FL. Gui was named one of Food and Wine Magazine's 10 best new mixologists in 2015, Starchefs Rising Star Mixologist in 2016, and Spirited Miami’s Bartender of the Year 2018. He was also featured as one of Miami New Times most interesting people of 2017. As Director of Bars for Bar Lab, Broken Shaker was twice a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award for Best Bar Program, named Best American Hotel Bar 2015 and 2017 at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards and made the Drinks International list of 50 Best Bars in the world 2014-2017. The Anderson Bar was named one of Esquire Magazine’s Best Bars in America 2017. Over the course of his career Gui has designed menus or collaborated on products with Williams Sonoma, British Airways, The Smithsonian Museum and The James Beard Foundation.
Student Testimonials
5/5
"Understanding the fundamentals and history behind spirits will assist in my road of mixology and this is the perfect course for my path."

Freya Pan
5/5
"My favorite part was regarding sustainability. I think if we are learning how to better the planet while doing what we love from day one, it will inspire us to be a great group of bartending professionals looking to improve the future."

Alexa Rodriguez
5/5
"As an emerging young professional in the beverage industry these courses are a great guiding light for what I can expect to need to be successful."

Jonathan Paredes