Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacoby Ponder.
Hi Jacoby, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Chef Jacoby J. Ponder—founder of Chefpreneur Academy—and my story is really about turning pressure into purpose, and experience into a pathway for other people.
I started out in kitchens the way a lot of us do: hungry, determined, and willing to do the work that nobody wants to do. Early on, I learned that food is never just food—it’s discipline, timing, leadership, and love all working at the same time. That lesson followed me everywhere, especially during my time as a U.S. Navy Culinary Specialist. Serving in the military sharpened me in a way nothing else could. When you’re cooking for large groups under real pressure, you learn fast: systems matter, standards matter, and your attitude matters. It’s not just about flavor—it’s about execution, consistency, and taking care of people at a high level.
After the military, I carried that same structure into corporate kitchens and hospitality leadership roles. I moved up because I wasn’t just focused on being a “good cook”—I was obsessed with being a solid leader. I learned how to run operations, manage teams, control food costs, build menus with purpose, and maintain food safety and compliance like it’s non-negotiable—because it is. Over time, I became the person people called when they needed a kitchen fixed, a team trained, or a program elevated.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and I think it’s important to be honest about that, especially for an online publication where people often only see the highlight reel.
This journey has come with real struggles—financial pressure, burnout, self-doubt, and moments where I had to completely rebuild from the ground up. Early on, I was doing everything myself: cooking, marketing, budgeting, teaching, creating content, and trying to keep the lights on. There were times when the talent was there, the vision was clear, but the resources were limited. I had to learn how to stretch a dollar, bet on myself, and keep moving even when the results weren’t immediate.
One of the biggest challenges was learning how to transition from being “the chef” to being the leader and business owner. Cooking is instinctual for me—but running a business requires a different muscle. I had to learn systems, contracts, pricing, and how to say no to opportunities that looked good on the surface but didn’t align with long-term goals. That learning curve came with mistakes—some expensive, some humbling—but every one of them sharpened me.
Another struggle was mental and emotional. The hospitality industry doesn’t always talk about burnout, especially for chefs who are expected to just push through. I’ve faced moments where exhaustion and stress were heavy, but stepping back wasn’t an option because people depended on me—students, clients, staff, and my family. I had to learn how to protect my energy, set boundaries, and redefine what balance looks like for me.
I’ve also navigated the challenge of building something that didn’t already have a clear lane. Creating Chefpreneur Academy meant I was introducing a different way of thinking—culinary education blended with entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal development. Not everyone understood it at first. There were times when support was quiet and skepticism was loud, but I stayed grounded in the mission because I knew the impact it could have.
Looking back, the struggles weren’t setbacks—they were training. Every obstacle forced me to level up, refine my vision, and build resilience. I don’t regret the hard parts because they shaped the standards I teach today. If anything, the road being uneven is exactly why I’m so passionate about helping others navigate it with more clarity, confidence, and support than I had starting out.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Chefpreneur Academy ?
Chefpreneur Academy is more than a culinary program—it’s a leadership and business development platform built for chefs, cooks, and food entrepreneurs who are serious about longevity, ownership, and impact.
At its core, Chefpreneur Academy exists to bridge the gap between talent and structure. I created it because I saw too many gifted people stuck at the stove with no roadmap to scale, no confidence in pricing, no understanding of systems, and no support once the apron came off. We don’t just teach how to cook—we teach how to think, lead, and operate like a professional.
What we do is very intentional. We specialize in culinary leadership, entrepreneurship, and real-world kitchen operations. That means our students learn fundamentals, yes—but they also learn food costing, menu engineering, branding, compliance, team leadership, and how to turn their skills into income streams. Whether someone wants to become a stronger kitchen leader, launch a catering company, grow a meal prep business, or step into teaching and consulting, Chefpreneur Academy gives them the tools to do it correctly and confidently.
What sets us apart is that everything we teach is lived experience. I’ve run kitchens, managed teams, overseen budgets, taught at the college level, and operated in high-pressure environments—from military service to corporate hospitality. There’s no fluff here. We’re known for structure, standards, and accountability. We don’t sell dreams—we build systems. Our approach is practical, disciplined, and rooted in professionalism, because that’s what actually sustains a career in this industry.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the mindset shift we create. Chefpreneur Academy helps people move from “I just cook” to “I lead, I own, and I build.” That transformation—watching students gain confidence, clarity, and control over their craft and future—is everything to me. We emphasize integrity, consistency, and pride in the work, because excellence should be the standard, not the exception.
What I want readers to know is this: Chefpreneur Academy is for people who are ready to take themselves seriously. We offer in-person and online education, mentorship, professional development, and community—designed to support chefs at every stage of their journey. If you’re tired of guessing, undercharging, or feeling stuck despite your talent, this brand was built for you.
At the end of the day, Chefpreneur Academy isn’t just about food—it’s about freedom, leadership, and legacy. And we’re just getting started.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is impact—making sure that the work I’m doing actually changes lives, not just moments.
Food is the tool, but people are the purpose. I care deeply about helping others gain confidence, stability, and ownership through the skills they already have. I’ve seen too many talented chefs burn out, get overlooked, or never reach their full potential simply because they weren’t given the knowledge, structure, or support to grow beyond the kitchen. That matters to me because I’ve lived it—and I know how heavy that ceiling can feel.
I value integrity and standards. How you do things matters just as much as what you do. I believe in showing up prepared, leading with humility, and holding yourself accountable even when no one is watching. Those principles were shaped by my military background and sharpened in professional kitchens, and they guide everything I build—especially through Chefpreneur Academy. I don’t want to just produce cooks; I want to develop leaders who respect the craft and the people behind it.
I also care about legacy. Not just my name or my brand, but the ripple effect—what people do with what they learn after they leave my programs. If someone can build a business, provide for their family, mentor the next generation, or create healthier communities through food, then I’ve done my job. That’s why education matters so much to me—it multiplies impact beyond one kitchen or one moment.
At the end of the day, what matters most is leaving the industry better than I found it. Creating pathways instead of gatekeeping. Teaching people how to win with integrity. And proving that with the right mindset, structure, and support, you can turn passion into purpose—and purpose into a lasting platform.
Pricing:
- $97 – $297
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chefpreneur-academy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefpreneuracademy?igsh=MWhwbjUxaWU4aWdleg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@chefpreneuracademy?si=cxlXq1YlKku1pQtB
Image Credits
Ozone Photography
