Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacoby Ponder.
Hi Jacoby, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Absolutely! I started my culinary journey over two decades ago, driven by a passion for food, hospitality, and the art of creating memorable experiences. Early on, I gained experience in both military and corporate food service, which gave me a strong foundation in operational efficiency, team leadership, and high-volume kitchen management.
From there, I transitioned into culinary instruction and mentorship, becoming a Certified Culinary Instructor and ServSafe Proctor, where I could share my knowledge with the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals. I also founded Chefpreneur Academy, which allowed me to combine my love for teaching with developing innovative training programs for aspiring culinary leaders.
Along the way, I expanded my expertise into holistic and nutrition-focused cooking, becoming a Certified Nutritionist and Personal Private Chef. Today, my work spans leadership development, operational excellence, and creating culinary experiences that balance flavor, health, and service excellence. Every step of my career has been about growth, mentorship, and elevating the people and organizations I work with, and I’m always looking for opportunities to push the craft and the industry forward.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road? Honestly, no—not entirely. My journey as a personal and private chef, including my time in the military and across various professional kitchens, has been full of challenges that tested my skills, patience, and resilience.
In the military, operating under high-pressure environments with strict protocols taught me discipline and precision, but it also came with long hours, limited resources, and the constant need to adapt to changing circumstances. Transitioning to civilian kitchens, I encountered the unpredictability of staffing, supply chain challenges, and the pressure of consistently delivering high-quality results for private clients and large-scale operations.
One of the biggest struggles has been balancing the creative side of cooking with the operational and logistical demands of managing a kitchen, inventory, and multiple teams. There were moments when I had to restart projects from scratch, troubleshoot equipment limitations, or quickly develop solutions under tight deadlines—but each of these experiences strengthened my problem-solving abilities and reinforced my commitment to excellence.
Ultimately, while the road hasn’t always been smooth, the challenges have shaped me into a chef who thrives under pressure, values meticulous preparation, and is dedicated to creating exceptional culinary experiences, no matter the circumstances.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Chef J Ponder LLC D.B.A Chefprenur Academy ?
As a culinary professional with over two decades of experience in hospitality and food service, my passion lies in teaching, mentoring, and leading the next generation of culinary talent. I founded Chefpreneur Academy with the vision of creating a space where aspiring chefs, culinary entrepreneurs, and food service professionals can gain both practical kitchen skills and the business acumen needed to thrive in the industry. At Chefpreneur Academy, we specialize in hands-on culinary instruction, professional mentorship, and innovative program development tailored to meet the evolving needs of the food service world.
What sets us apart is our focus on empowering students and professionals to become leaders and innovators in the culinary culture. I personally bring a unique perspective as both a seasoned chef and culinary consultant, helping individuals and organizations improve operations, menu development, and kitchen management while cultivating creativity and excellence. I am deeply proud of our brand for its commitment to shaping the future of culinary education—not just teaching recipes, but instilling leadership, confidence, and cultural awareness in the culinary arts.
Through our classes, consulting services, and online programs, I want readers to know that Chefpreneur Academy is more than just a culinary school—it is a platform for growth, mentorship, and transformation in the food service industry. My goal is to inspire passion, innovation, and professionalism in every student, chef, and organization I work with, while fostering a culture where culinary arts are both respected and celebrated.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe that risk is an essential part of growth, both personally and professionally. In the culinary world, taking risks often means stepping out of your comfort zone—trying new techniques, experimenting with flavors, or launching a new concept—and the rewards can be transformative when done thoughtfully.
One of the major risks I’ve taken was founding Chefpreneur Academy. Leaving a secure position in a well-established culinary environment to build a business focused on education and mentorship was not easy. It required investing not just time and resources, but also a deep personal commitment to my vision of shaping the next generation of chefs. There were moments of uncertainty, but the risk allowed me to create a platform where I could combine my passion for teaching, consulting, and leading culinary innovation.
For me, taking risks is about calculated courage—balancing preparation, skill, and intuition. I weigh potential outcomes but understand that some of the greatest breakthroughs, whether in flavor, business, or leadership, only happen when you are willing to step forward, even without a guaranteed result. Ultimately, the risks I’ve taken have strengthened my perspective, enhanced my creativity, and allowed me to leave a meaningful impact on the culinary community.
Pricing:
- 125 Beginner Level – Foundations of Culinary Arts
- 175 Intermediate Level – Culinary Skill Development
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chefjacoby.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefpreneuracademy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17N67GBThu/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@therealchefjponder
