THE INSPIRATION BEHIND CULINARY UTOPIA
Some might ask, ‘Just what caused you to begin Culinary Utopia’? There is a unique situation as to how I got the idea. It might seem strange that a 30-year retired law enforcement officer and criminal investigator would have such an interest in kitchen appliance, tools, gadgets, etc. The answer is actually very simple when looking at my past.
I was 9 years old when my mom taught me how to cook my own breakfast consisting of fried eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, etc. Several months later she taught me how to make homemade cornbread. From that time forward, I became insistent that I cook for myself and later the entire family, expanding my abilities in the kitchen. I loved experimenting with different dishes. It was over my growing up in the kitchen that showed me the importance of kitchen gadgets and tools that enhanced and shortened the prep time required for so many tasks. To this day I believe in owning as many tools to simplify any kitchen task.
Years passed and I graduated from high school and attended college for a short period before deciding to leave college and apply for our local police department where I had a 30-year career, all the while continuing to cook and expanding to grilling and barbecuing.
After retiring at the age of 45 years old, with plenty of life left ahead of me, I made the decision to move into more interesting positions. Things that were as far removed from law enforcement work as possible.
It would just so happen that I happened to visit a local restaurant supply store to purchase something for my kitchen when, upon checking out, I noticed a sign on the counter stating, “Ask us about our employment opportunity”. This is exactly what I did and was given a job interview on the spot. As a result, I was contacted several days later and asked when I might be able to start with them. I started the next day.
I was fortunate to work for this company for the next five years where I excelled and promoted to heavy equipment sales, store mentor, and eventually, assistant manager. It was only because my best friend called and asked me if I might be willing to return to the police department as a civilian to manage a unit there. I could not refuse my buddy and returned to the police department.
However, I have to give all the credit for my knowledge of kitchen and restaurant equipment to the five years I spent at the restaurant equipment supply store.
Regards,
Rodney Bryant
