Career Roadmap
Tommy's work combines: Entrepreneurship, Food, and Working with Others
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Eastern Michigan University
Graduate Degree
Social Work
Eastern Michigan University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a General and Operations Managers:
High School
Certification: Culinary Arts/Chef Training
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I wanted to help the poor.
2.
Went to EMU and studied Social Work.
3.
Realized I was dealing with symptoms of bad policy and politics.
4.
Decided to study policy and Interpersonal social work.
5.
Fell in love with the coffee business while I was studying for my MSW.
6.
Graduated from U of M and became a partner in a coffee company.
7.
Became managing partner in Zingerman's Deli.
8.
Started my own company with my friend Matt Morgan in 2011.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Parents:
You should become a Doctor or a Lawyer.
How I responded:
My girlfriend, who later became my wife, supported me initially. Eventually when family saw that I was happy and "Successful" they became supportive.