Can you tell us what type of business you run and how long you've been operating this business?

I run a cooking website (www.cookingsecretsformen.com) as well as a companion YouTube Channel. I started as a hobby in 2014 and now it consumes a large percentage of my time, seven days a week.

I grew up in a restaurant family. My dad owned several restaurants in Washington, DC in the ’50s & 60’s (Randy’s, DeSando’s, The Channel House, among others). My dad was the main cook and I learned a lot from him about how to cook. I started working in Country Clubs when I was 14, in various positions. I started out washing dishes, then moved to busboy, waiter, line cook, snack bar cook, maître D’ cooking tableside. I worked in clubs until I graduated from college. I have always been comfortable in kitchens, thanks to my upbringing. Cooking in many ways is the most creative thing I do. I love to look in the fridge, see what’s there and devise a meal around on-hand ingredients. My wife Ellen is a fabulous cook, but she does not obsess about food like I do.

We have raised our two sons, Luke & Carlo, to be just as comfortable in the kitchen as we are. Luke is a very creative cook, not afraid to try different ethnic dishes. He has come to love Indian food and anything spicy. And he is the family pasta maker whenever we have fresh pasta for holiday meals. Carlo worked in the Bartolotta chain of restaurants in Milwaukee and then was a line cook at Company Brewing when it opened in Riverwest. He has shifted his personal cooking to a more healthy diet, more veggies and grains, rather than meat dishes. But he has been known to eat a piece of bacon or two now and then. We are a family that loves to cook and be creative.

I started as a hobby and now want to make a business out of my passion. It’s daunting to prepare the food, write the content on the website, film the video of the recipe, update social media almost every day (seven different sites) and keep everything relevant. Constant updating and out-of-date videos lead to drop in viewers. It is fulfilling but tedious work.

In addition to my Website, YouTube Channel and Social Media sites, I also do catering. One of the areas I want to move into is teaching cooking classes, specifically at the Milwaukee Public Market and other local kitchens. I want to teach basic skills to those intimidated by being in the kitchen.

I have a pro bono outreach for those in the community who need help and maybe are lacking in the ability to prepare meals. I prepare and deliver meals to those in need. No questions asked. I have been blessed. I am in a position to give back to society and do so willingly. It is a simple thing for me, but can be a lifesaver to someone who needs help.

I also want to fill a niche of pre-pared, healthy food for busy people. This would be the for-profit side of my work.

Cooking is really not that difficult. It’s no different from most other skills. Just takes a little practice, effort and desire. What I hope to accomplish with my website and YouTube channel is to show men out there (and other cooks) that you can be a decent, if not very good, cook by following a few simple guidelines and incorporating some shortcuts and tricks I have learned along the way. 

My website & YouTube channel is a place for men (and other cooks) to learn shortcuts and secrets to everyday cooking. Simple recipes, simple ingredients, just basic cooking skills to help the novice or average cook expand their cooking horizons.

Here at GoalSetters, we like to say " A Goal Without A Plan is Just A Wish", what's your advice on the best way that people can go about accomplishing the goals that they set?



In closing, for those that may require your services or may need mentorship, how can they connect with you?