The name Salt & Steel reflects the philosophy that has guided me throughout my career. Steel represents the discipline of the craft—the precision, technique, and science that transform simple ingredients through time, temperature, and method. Salt represents the human element: balance, intuition, and the subtle decisions that bring those ingredients to life. Neither stands on its own. Great baking and great cooking happen where precision meets creativity, where science supports artistry, and where every detail serves a purpose. That's the standard I bring to every loaf, every pastry, and every meal. Steel transforms ingredients. Salt reveals their potential. Together, they represent the balance of science and artistry that defines every dish I create.

For more than 30 years, my life has been shaped by kitchens. I started as a dishwasher in Colorado Springs while I was still in high school, where a group of talented chefs took me under their wing and encouraged me to pursue a career in the culinary arts. Their mentorship led me to culinary school, where I earned my degree in Baking & Pastry Arts, and began a career that has taken me through some of Colorado's respected restaurants and bakeries, including La Petit Maison, The Briarhurst Manor, Kneaders, and many others. Throughout that journey, baking has remained my greatest passion. It is where craftsmanship meets precision, where tradition and science come together to create something meant to be shared.

In recent years, my career took an unexpected and rewarding turn when I began teaching at Stir Cooking School in Denver. Sharing techniques, stories, and the joy of cooking with others reminded me why I fell in love with this profession in the first place. That experience inspired the creation of Salt & Steel Culinary—a business built around bringing exceptional food and genuine hospitality directly to people. Whether through intimate private chef experiences or my European-inspired artisan microbakery, my goal is simple: to create thoughtfully crafted food using quality ingredients, traditional techniques, and a personal approach that makes every meal feel special.