I began my career in foodservice at the age of ten, selling soft pretzels in my 3 wheeled bicycle cart that I built with my father. The “Awesome Pretzel” as it was know in my community of Humboldt County was seen at almost every community event. While washing dishes and selling pretzels, I was able to earn enough money in 6 years to sponsor myself to study abroad in France.

While in France I gained my true appreciation for food and culture. Upon returning to the United States I decided at the age of 17 to forego high school and begin Junior College. While attending college I held various positions from Flambé Captain to Matre’d. I attended University of Nevada Las Vegas in 1987 and worked as a plant supervisor in a meat distribution supplier. Upon Graduating in 1990 with a Bachelors degree in Hospitality management, I was recruited by Stouffer restaurants to manage in their flagship restaurant in Long Beach California.

After 3 years with Stouffers I was recruited by a 7 restaurant unit, Louise’s Trattoria, as a General Manager. There I was promoted to District Manager of 6 restaurants and was in charge of recruiting and training for the growing chain.

In 1996, fellow District Manager Steven Gruber and I, left Louise’s to embark on our own concept, Johnny Garlic’s. Steve and I opened our first Johnny Garlic’s in the fall of 1996. We opened 2 more locations within the next 3 years, and then opened our catering division in 2001. Our most recent ventures, Tex Wasabi’s, a sushi and southern style BBQ concept opened in the fall of 2003, and Russell Ramsay’s Chop House opened in the spring of 2004. We are currently planning on opening our largest location, a Tex Wasabi’s in Sacramento in the fall of 2006.

During this time I have been a 3 term President of the Restaurant Association of the Redwood Empire, and I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Educational Foundation of the California Restaurant Association. I am a national culinary competition judge and compete on a professional BBQ team. My wife Lori and I have two sons, Hunter and Ryder, and live in Northern California.