I was fortunate. I knew exactly what I wanted to do when I was 18 years old. To learn more about food, wine, & wellness. Since that time I’ve spent years investing in learning more. Commitment to consistency yields clarity. As an Air Force veteran, I have an affinity for training (mind, body, and soul). It’s a core value that has garnered success in my military tenure, personal life, and business endeavors. During active duty, I had the privilege of serving on several special duty assignments. Ranging from working directly for two 4-star Generals to being the lead for elite operational planning teams. That was then. Now my special duty assignments are hospitality, food, wine, and wellness education. The platform has changed. The scope of complexity has changed. However, the scope of responsibility has not changed. Now I bring added value to my clients. As an executive chef, certified sommelier, and certified wellness coach, training is a cornerstone to success. Regardless of your occupation, we’re all professional athletes that must perform and produce results. That requires dedicated training. To “train” means to continually educate, empower, exercise the mind & body, adapt to the environment, and execute so that we can provide a transformational experience to those we serve. I left the United States in 1996 and returned back home in 2017. The cultural education I received while living in Asia and Europe was priceless. Complete and total immersion into the culture left an indelible impression on me. I have worked in various restaurants, bistros, trattorias, tasting rooms, and wineries. I leverage my technical and digital acumen received in the Air Force along with my experience in food & wine. In that time, I learned from some of the most dynamic organizations and industry leaders. Upon finishing my service commitment, I went to graduate school and shortly thereafter pursued my certifications in wellness. I consummated my experience in food & wine by going to culinary school at the Culinary Institute of America, in Napa Valley. After finishing the culinary arts program, I pursued a Masters in Professional Studies Wine Management at the CIA and continued my professional wine education through the Court of Master Sommeliers, to become a Certified Sommelier. I have the honor of working with some of the most beautiful and influential people this world has to offer. What I discovered along my journey was that learning more, segues from passion into purpose. Service not servitude is why we are here. How you do that is up to you. However, you will not get there alone. From time to time, we all need a coach. Enduring education leads to clarity of thought. Clarity leads to better decisions in life and business. I’m a huge proponent of education: both formal & informal. Learning doesn’t stop when you receive the diploma, degree, or certification. It’s just the beginning. When you invest in yourself, sustained learning becomes an exciting lifestyle that yields wisdom and reward.