Q: What brought you to Prescott; how long have you been here?
A: I moved from Nebraska in 2000 to attend Prescott College. After graduation, I worked for the Prescott National Forest in the wildlife department doing bird surveys before moving into the timber crew. I moved back home in 2004 to be with my family for a couple of years before Prescott pulled me back in 2006.
Q: How did you become interested in your career field?
A: I’ve been drawn to cooking since I was a child; I grew up in the kitchen. Since it was so natural to me, I saw it more as a hobby. It took me a long time to make this my official career path, it was a hard decision that took a lot of self-confidence and risk.
Q: What is the biggest challenge of your job?
A: The staff shortages that all employers are currently facing. The challenge is not overworking the staff we do have and finding creative ways to retain them along with keeping their spirits up.
Q: What is the greatest reward of your job?
A: Being part of a successful hospitality group that continues to innovate and move forward. The fact that I play a role in that success is an immense privilege and something I’m incredibly proud of.
Q: Where would you like to vacation next; why?
A: I am very interested in visiting Nashville, Tennessee. There are a few reasons why, one being I have never been and the history of that area is very fascinating to me. More importantly, I am looking forward to visiting a restaurant that belongs to a chef I personally look up to.
Q: If you could have dinner with any three to five people, who would it be?
A: My grandfather
Michael Jordan
Anthony Bourdain
e.e. cummings
Martin Luther King Jr.
Q: What is the last book you read; what did you enjoy most about it?
Eat a Peach: A Memoir by David Chang. What starts off as a humble bragging story, the story turns into an intertwining journey of his life, restaurant empire, mental wellness, all while sharing stories of race, gender, family along with lessons on leadership, management and life.
Q: What is your favorite Prescott activity?
A: Birding. Prescott has incredible landscapes that allow for great bird-watching opportunities throughout each season.
