Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Hagen.
Hi Jake, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a love for cooking and baking growing up but never knew it could be fulfilling and professional career. I just thought I like creating something out of nothing and that I’ll get a “real” job one day. Haven’t you heard that saying, “pursue your passion and you’ll never work a day in your life”? Well I’m definetly working. More often more than one job at a time as well as having gone to two schools simultaneously. I’ve been told I’m nuts and I’m a workaholic, but I love it. I got my BS in Food Science and an AA in Culinary Arts as well as certs in baking and wine studies. I’ve worked for restaurants, wine bars, a catering company, a bakery and now my own LLC. Everyday is a new challenge but another learning opportunity and experience is always on the horizon. It’s so important to have a close group of like minded people around you with the same passion and drive to keep you on the right path and to provide that support system we all desperately crave throughoutthis experience we call life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are always struggles. Some days more than others, but I try to live a very positive life and help others to do the same. You learn alot about yourself by working in restaurants and the food industry from the rush when the tickets come in, to self discipline, planning preparing, serving and customer service. I highly recommend everyone work in the industry if only for a month just to know how hard this industry works to serve the community. Its definitely a passion project.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
All the men in my family followed one another into the car industry and I wanted to be the one who went left and chose a new path. I decided to follow a hobby and passion of mine and turn it into a career and I love it. It allows me to be creative, play with flavors and design and then eat it. What else could I ask for?
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
What I have learned along my journey is to learn from everybody and anybody. There is always something to learn and most likely when you least expect it. Even the bad experiences there is so much to learn from. Nothing is a mistake. It’s a learning opportunity and though you might not see why you are in the place you are in currently, it’s only temporary and there is so much more out there to experience.
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