My Greatest Accomplishment
My greatest accomplishment is turning a hobby I started when I was about 15 years old — smoking meats — into a summer job, then several co-ops at Drexel into owning my own business today. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the necessary encouragement from my family, friends, coaches, professors and several mentors in the restaurant business which helped me along the way to owning my first restaurant.
How Drexel Helped Me
Drexel played a key role by enabling me to continue my journey throughout college. The co-op program enabled me to learn through practical experience in several Philadelphia restaurants (and on my own during COVID) throughout my college years. This “hands on” learning really prepared me for what the future would hold.
Where I Hope to Be in Five Years
As I continue to learn more every day about the restaurant business, I hope to be able to build my brand and gradually expand to several locations throughout Philadelphia and the suburbs.
How I Pay It Forward
Realizing how lucky I have been and how much opportunity Drexel gave me, I believe it is important to give back to the University and the community. Today, I am a volunteer wrestling coach at Palumbo Academy. I also have helped cook and serve food at several local charitable events. Most importantly, as my business grows, I intend to hire several Drexel co-op students and give them the same “hands on” learning experience I was fortunate to have.