Owner & Executive Chef of HAGS

Slow is fast. It is always easier to take your time and do things right the first way than rush and have to go back and fix the mistakes you made.

Patience and communication are the most essential skills for being a leader and mentor. They are also strong skills for line cooks as they are developing their craft.

I try really hard to stay away from the traditional inspirational sources of this industry. I prefer to go to movies, art museums, or bookstores over eating at other restaurants or scrolling Instagram to see what other chefs are doing. It keeps my brain from getting hung up on whats trending or focused on what other people are doing and instead engages me in a whole-brain creative craft.

If you're feeling burnt out, TAKE A BREAK! I took a lot of breaks in my career. I've pursued other interest and I've always come back to cooking. And each time, I come back more invested and creatively inspired.

The number one characteristic I look for in others is curiosity. If you are curious and you stay curious, there is no end to how far you can take this craft. In this industry, we are perpetual students, and there is so much to learn about cooking. When you lose your curiosity, you lose a lot.