Milestones

My road in life took a while to figure out.
I wanted to help the poor.
Went to EMU and studied Social Work.
Realized I was dealing with symptoms of bad policy and politics.
Decided to study policy and Interpersonal social work.
Fell in love with the coffee business while I was studying for my MSW.
Graduated from U of M and became a partner in a coffee company.
Became managing partner in Zingerman's Deli.
Started my own company with my friend Matt Morgan in 2011.

Education

High School
Bachelor
Eastern Michigan University
Graduate
Social Work
Eastern Michigan University

Career

Partner

I am a partner in a fine wine and speciality food shop.

Career Roadmap

Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Entrepreneurship
Food
Working with Others

Day to Day

We are a small shop so most days are filled with doing a little bit of everything. Yesterday I had a planning meeting, did 4 staff reviews, waited on customers during the lunch rush, and answered emails / txts and calls.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for high school students

Don't go blindly into college or the trades. Take a deep breath and think about what you want from life. Take some time to enjoy a bit...you have been in school your whole life!

Recommended Education

My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:

certification
Certification/License
Culinary Arts/Chef Training

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Parents:

"You should become a Doctor or a Lawyer."