days—and they’re hits with his clients as well. FROM WORKING FOR OTHERS TO MAKING HIS OWN WAY Chef Young was an athlete before he was a cook: he played college football at Alabama A&M University and had a stint as a professional in the Canadian Football League—that background put him on the path he’s on today. Chef Young’s culinary career had a humble beginning, working in restaurants in Arizona. His decision to leave the restaurant scene came when the restaurant he had been working in at the time raised his position and responsibilities—but not his compensation. So he transitioned to the retail world at Nike and Victoria's Secret. Working at the former, he was inspired by a bodybuilder colleague who dived into meal prep. The move ultimately sparked Chef Young's entrepreneurial spirit. Before starting his own company, he joined another meal prep service to gain a more professional perspective. Although he’d prepared meals for himself as a college athlete, he needed to see how it was done at a much larger scale. The knowledge Chef Young gained helped him establish Food Vision, which has a simple mission: to provide easy access to nutritious meals. Starting a company meant that Chef Young had to promote and market himself. Still working retail at the time, he printed two thousand cards and handed them out to as many people as possible to spread the word. Good luck, a hustle mentality, and a strong contingent of supporters helped him go from handing out business cards to cooking for the stars.
While working his retail job, Chef Young crossed paths with an experienced businessman, whose name he unfortunately can no longer recall. This benefactor mentored him step-by-step on business strategy, setting the stage for Young’s success. This encounter led to opportunities such as being featured on television, which sparked his passion for sharing his culinary creations with the world. His successful TV appearance led Chef Young to connect with his current partner in crime, Ms. Amber Smith, whom he relies on for the day-to-day business organization and operation. Another surprising supporter of Chef Young is Brian Urlacher, the former thirteen-year veteran linebacker of the Chicago Bears. They met through Mrs. Urlacher—who often purchased products from him at Victoria’s Secret and Nike—when she asked Chef Young to cook for their family. As two fellow former football players, the pair built a kinship. As a result of his relationships with the Urlachers and other patrons—like Mr. Zeke Sandhu from Klutch Sports Group—and many referrals, Chef Young was able to build a stable clientele of prominent professional athletes and renowned artists. FEEDING NATIONS, FEEDING NEIGHBORS Chef Young shared an anecdote from the past that shaped how he looks at life. His grandfather, who was a pastor, used to preach about the question of what would be on one’s tombstone after the person was long gone. That wisdom made him who he is today and encouraged him to spend his money, time, and effort on helping and encouraging others, helping
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