Serving Up Success – As the Booles’ careers blossom, they grow their family and their love for each other

When Joni and Dustin were hired at Tournament Players Club Valencia in the same month, it didn’t take long for Dustin to notice the girl with the contagious smile and unusual name – Joni like “Johnny.”  When it came time to break the ice, he went for a classic: “Has anyone told you that you’re beautiful yet today?”  The rest, as they say, is history.
A young, emerging couple, the Booles are known for their work in the local event planning and restaurant industries – each winning SCV’s 40 Under Forty awards for 2016.  As Director of Activities for TPC, Joni brings fun events to members and residents alike, and as Head Chef at Newhall Refinery, Dustin cooks up a feast for one of Santa Clarita’s hottest restaurants.  At home, they are devoted parents to their 1-year-old son, Nixon James, who both parents describe as the light of their lives.
A veteran of the hospitality industry, Joni has been with TPC since she was 18 years old.  With nine years under her belt, Joni has gotten to know many of the members, community leaders and Santa Clarita residents who come through the popular country club.  Though she started in serving, Joni recently found a better match for her skill sets in event planning.  As Director of Activities, she is tasked with creating an exciting lineup of events that opens the club up to the community.
“We offer great programs for our members, but we want to open our doors wider and bring the community in – for a family-friendly activity or a relaxing date night,” Joni said.  “Through this position, I’ve been getting to know a lot of the volunteers and non-profits in our valley, and I want to get more involved personally and professionally.  TPC is a community venue, and I want people to see and feel that when they walk in the doors.”
As Joni works on building community at TPC, Dustin is creating a buzz of his own at Newhall Refinery.  Dustin first interviewed for the job four years ago but turned it down.  He was working at TPC and wanted to finish his work there until after the two married.  When the restaurant owners, Simon and Shannon Mee, called him up again, asking for a recommendation, this time Dustin offered up his own name.  Since his start at the Refinery, the Le Cordon Bleu-educated chef has been offering up beautifully plated, deliciously innovative food alongside a menu of signature cocktails and craft brews.  His most recent accomplishment – being voted élite Magazine’s Ultimate Chef by the public – has inspired special events and out-of-the-box thinking for the restaurant.
“What I love about Newhall Refinery is the Mees have given me carte blanche,” Dustin said.  “They have allowed me the opportunity to educate Santa Clarita on how to push their boundaries as far as food is concerned.”
As the two look ahead, it seems there is only room for more growth and success, and these two Saugus residents are ready for both!

Candidly … With Dustin & Joni

What’s your go-to Saturday night?
Joni: Well, we both work on Saturdays, so our favorite Monday night date is to throw an air mattress in the bed of the truck, park somewhere beautiful and watch a movie on our laptop with a bottle of wine.
What do you admire most about each other?
Joni: His work ethic – 100 percent.  I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who works as hard as he does.
Dustin: Watching her be a mother.  I knew she was going to be great, but she has absolutely exceeded my expectations as a mom.  I’m so proud of her.
What do you wish more people knew about Dustin and Joni?
Dustin & Joni: We are expecting our second baby!  Nixon is the biggest part of our life, and now we’re adding to our family.

photo by Becca Rillo

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