I’m Still Hungry
As I approach my 30th birthday, I find myself both excited for what lies ahead and reflective on the path I've carved so far. While Forbes never came calling, I’m immensely proud of the career I’ve built.
A memory comes to mind…
A friend recently asked me, “When are you going to get a real job?” He quickly realized the implication and backpedaled, saying, “I mean, a full-time job, like at a company.” I just laughed and responded, “I’ll get a full-time job when I stop having fun or feel like I’ve hit a ceiling working for myself.”
I’ve worked as a consultant for several years, casting a wide net and taking big risks. I’ve had the opportunity to work with companies of all sizes in nearly every capacity imaginable. I’ve guided founders just starting out, driven foodservice sales for large manufacturers, championed the hard work of American farmers, and developed products for companies that feed millions every day. I’ve spoken at conferences, represented and presented on behalf of my alma mater, served as on a culinary council, and most importantly stood alongside some of the most talented people I know, helping them achieve their own dreams. Heck, I even started a podcast and appeared on a Martha Stewart show, somewhere along the way. In many ways, I’ve had the chance to do more, make a bigger impact, and contribute in ways I never could in a traditional full-time job—and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
But I’ll be the first to say: consulting isn’t for everyone. I often caution people against diving into it or starting their own business. There have been tough times—projects falling apart, exciting proposals turning into ghost towns, sleepless nights wondering about my own well-being and that of my family. Discomfort is the baseline, but when you leave yourself no option but to persevere, truly beautiful things can happen.
Years ago, I was working my dream job, leading an incredible team and making products I loved. Then, unexpectedly, my entire team was laid off. Two years ago, I saw the closure of a business I helped build, one I thought would become my next “real” job, only to watch it unravel due to factors beyond my control. There's a certain mystique people attach to big companies—endless resources, safety, security—but I’ve learned there’s no guarantee of any of that. I fell out of love with the idea of filling one role for one company and embraced the idea of fulfilling my own goals.
And my goals are simple:
- Support the people who grow the food.
- Help the people who make the food.
- Provide more delicious and nutritious food to those who lack access to it.
- Be a beacon of innovation and inspiration to others
Someday, my consulting journey might come to an end. But that’s exactly why I wanted to pursue it in the first place. I’ve seen so much, done so much, and worked alongside people who inspire me to keep pushing, learning, and growing. I've learned about myself, about success and failure, work-life balance, and simply being there for people when they need it.
Above all, I’ve realized that neither the company you work for nor the title you hold defines your value. Life is short, and we shouldn’t take ourselves too seriously. So as I turn 30, I’m not too worried about what the future holds. I’m confident I’ll keep working toward my goals, however they manifest. Along the way, I plan to do a lot more good, spread a lot more happiness, and share many more meals and laughter with the people who share my path. After all, that’s what food—and life—is really about.
