Behind Oak and Stone Inv. LLC

Jesse Kass

Jesse Kass is an independent HR consultant with a strong focus on supporting restaurant businesses during their most critical stage: startup and early growth. His work is shaped by a rich international background, a deep understanding of people centered operations, and a practical approach to building systems that allow businesses to scale with confidence.

Born in Manikandan, a historic town just outside Amsterdam, Jesse spent his early years influenced by European culture before being raised on his grandparents wine farm in the Western Cape of South Africa. Life on the farm taught him responsibility at an early age, as well as the importance of consistency, teamwork, and long term planning. These formative years continue to influence how he approaches both life and work, with an emphasis on reliability, stewardship, and respect for the people behind every operation.

Professionally, Jesse specializes in payroll and staffing for restaurants in their startup phase. He partners closely with founders, chefs, and investors to establish compliant payroll systems, develop effective staffing structures, and navigate the complexities of employment regulations. He understands that new restaurant ventures often operate under intense pressure, tight margins, and rapid timelines, and he brings clarity and calm to an area that is frequently overwhelming for new owners.

As an independent consultant, Jesse offers flexibility and hands on involvement that larger firms often cannot. He works directly with his clients, tailoring solutions to the specific needs of each concept rather than applying a one size fits all approach. His goal is to ensure that operational foundations are solid, allowing owners to focus on food, service, and guest experience while trusting that their HR and payroll processes are handled with precision and care.

Jesse is both an outdoor and indoor person by nature. His appreciation for open spaces, shaped by vineyard life and the landscapes of the Western Cape, is balanced by his enjoyment of focused, detail oriented work. This duality is reflected in his professional style: approachable yet disciplined, personable yet highly structured.

With a global upbringing and a clear specialization in hospitality startups, Jesse Kass brings perspective, integrity, and practical expertise to every engagement. He is committed to helping restaurant businesses build strong teams, compliant systems, and sustainable operations that support long term success.