Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration is my business partner John, who was diagnosed with Ataxia, a neurological disorder, yet continues working every day with strength and determination. He never lets his condition define him and always shows courage, patience, and commitment. John is one of the strongest people I know, and he has taught me resilience, perseverance, and how to face challenges with a positive attitude.

How do you stay motivated?

After 25 years in the business, I’ve gained a lifetime of lessons and experience. What keeps me motivated is seeing the passion, growth, and impact I’ve helped create within our team while giving others opportunities to succeed. Today, I focus on giving back to the community and making each day a little better for someone else. I’m proud to watch our employees grow and look forward to seeing them continue the journey and carry the same passion forward.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest it directly into upgrading essential equipment for our business. After purchasing a new building to expand operations, all available funds were dedicated to supporting the company’s growth. Our priority now is replacing much-needed equipment that is essential for daily operations. These upgrades would improve efficiency, support continued growth, and help us expand opportunities such as hosting educational cooking classes and strengthening food safety standards.