Where did you grow up?
Downtown Austin, Texas. It was in the nineties, so it was very creative, safe, and well-off. Austin back then was not as populated as it is now. I would describe it as Bloomington is today. Small, little cottage-type homes, tight lots, lots of hills and valleys to explore in. Lots of woods.
What did you study/what were you interested in?
I went to culinary school but I was always interested in pastry and bread, but I never had the money to go back for a second degree. So I went to Per Se in New York and learned directly from hands-on experience.
What were you up to before Cardinal?
Flying under the radar, hanging out at home. I did some part-time stuff; I was a woodworker and studied cabinetry. I ran a small business doing Japanese yakitori and then I taught a bread class at Ivy Tech. Before Bloomington I was in France and Japan for six months trying to live among the people. I’m fascinated by different cultures. Then I was at Per Se for three years in the Columbus Circle area of New York. That was my life, I had no time or energy for anything other than that. I was fully committed.
What do you do at Cardinal/elsewhere?
At Cardinal I develop people’s careers and help them become stronger professionals. I give direction to the team to execute. The whole kitchen–it’s all them. I just set boundaries and push them as hard as I can without breaking them.
I develop my son, I guard him. I take care of chickens. I explore Bloomington on foot, I’ve always liked walking around.
Do you have thoughts about Cardinal or life you want to share, yearbook-style?
Be beautiful.
