Intoxicating…. That is the only word I can use to describe the experience of making my first cake from scratch. It was to become a chocolate cake, one of my most favorite. As I whisked the dry ingredients, tiny cocoa molecules floated up out of the bowl and overwhelmed my sense of smell, giving me a sense of euphoria that I had not experienced in a very long time! That moment was the beginning of a transformation in my personal and professional life.I have long enjoyed cooking for family and friends. But as I began to refine my cake baking and decorating skills, my passion for cooking began to grow. I loved the challenges and creativity involved with making cakes, as well as experimenting with new cuisines and cooking styles that allowed me to create beautiful dishes with bold flavors. And the greatest reward is still seeing the smiles on the faces of those on the receiving end of my creations.My professional career is almost as diverse as the foods I love to cook, providing me with valuable experiences that I believe will allow me to be successful in my culinary adventure. Most of my career has focused on providing the highest levels of customer support possible, where at times there was much more on the line than just an unhappy customer. My experience includes time as a U.S. Marine, a highly stressful position as a 911 emergency dispatcher, and my most recent role as IT service desk manager. I know what it means to follow a leader to accomplish a mission, lead a high-performing team, work under extremely stressful conditions, and continue to evolve to meet each new demand that I encounter. I have been preparing for this opportunity my entire life, and I am on course to become an executive chef and entrepreneur!