Original program: Culinary Arts

Alumni Information
School: LaSalle College Vancouver/Dubrulle Culinary Arts
Grad Year: 2004
Program of Study: Culinary Arts
Degree: Diploma

Employment/Professional Information
Company Name: Cactus Club Café Ltd.
Location: Bentall 5
Job Title: Head Chef
Primary Responsibilities: To be a leader within the kitchen operations.

Describe a Typical Work Day:

As a chef at a high volume restaurant, I spend most of my time working through my management team.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

I am a very goal-oriented individual in all aspects of my life: career, education, and personal lifestyle. Some of my accomplishments are graduating with Honours in a Hospitality Management program at the University of Guelph’s Bachelor of Commerce Program, receiving my Culinary Arts Diploma at LaSalle College Vancouver, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, opening a team of 3 high profile Cactus Clubs in downtown Vancouver, winning a gold medal in an International Dragonboat Festival in Hong Kong, receiving my Red Seal Certificate and going to open Cactus Club in Toronto.

What are your creative inspirations or influences? Who are your heroes?

Unlike most chefs, I draw most of my inspiration from unexpected sources; from the people who work with me and underneath me. You would be surprised about how much you can learn just by listening and being humble.
The two most influential people in my career are my late grandfather and god brother Fred, together which they opened my eyes to great culinary experiences, and taught me the dedication to produce quality food. They also taught me to take chances and how passion, knowledge and practise are the keys to being successful in this industry. My late grandfather’s legacy continues as his restaurants are still expanding in China to this day.