If there's one thing we believe in here at Elevation, it's having a wide range of culinary talent on staff. So without further ado, let's introduce you to our newest chef and account manager, Chad Garner.
How did you get started in foodservice?
My first job in the industry was 25 years ago washing pizza pans at a local pizzeria. While I didn’t love the job, I did love the people and kitchen environment. I knew I had found my place in the world, working side by side with some of the most hard-working people on the planet. I enrolled in a Culinary Arts vocational program shortly after high school to learn the basics and never looked back. I learned a lot in that first kitchen and have gone on to work in dozens of others over the years.
What does the sales side of your position entail?
My job is a pretty general sales approach. We cover everything from tableware to ovens to French fry cooking robots. I love the variety and ever-changing industry. I love learning new things and about new technology that makes the foodservice industry better.
What’s one thing clients do not realize about your job and Elevation?
I think what Elevation does better than anyone else is to hire the most talented and knowledgeable people out there. We have a great team, which is a huge asset to our clients. Everyone works together to solve the problems, and nothing gets left undone. Elevation does a great job at keeping our people trained and up to date on everything that is available to the end user.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Being in kitchens my whole working life, it is such a great feeling to be able to go into new kitchens every day and offer my assistance. I am not living the day-to-day grind anymore but still get to be a small part of their team. There is something new every day, and I am learning more than I have in years.
Do you have a favorite food or beverage?
TACOS! Never met a taco I didn’t like. Good pizza or Greek food is up there too. I was recently introduced to Scotch, and boy have I enjoyed it. There are so many differences in Scotch, and I love tasting all the different notes that go into each one.
Tell us one place you’ve always wanted to go to, but haven’t made it there yet.
I have always wanted to take my wife to Italy or Spain. We both love food vacations, and I know we would be fat and happy there.
What’s your favorite inspirational quote you’d like to share?
There are so many to choose from. I have always liked these few from Anthony Bourdain:
"Cooking is a craft, I like to think, and a good cook is a craftsman -- not an artist. There's nothing wrong with that: The great cathedrals of Europe were built by craftsmen -- though not designed by them. Practicing your craft in expert fashion is noble, honorable, and satisfying."
"Don't lie about it. You made a mistake. Admit it and move on. Just don't do it again. Ever."
"You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together."
"Skills can be taught. Character - you either have or you don't have."
"Your body is not a temple, it's an amusement park. Enjoy the ride."
Are you ready to work with our chefs? Schedule some time to hang out with Chef Chad in our state-of-the-art Chef's Playground.
