A Duffle Bag and a Dream

Some journeys start with a roadmap, others with a leap of faith. Mine began with nothing but my mom’s old Air Force basic training duffle bag, a love for pizza, and a dream.

I got my start slinging pies as a young pizza cook back home in Hawai'i, where the aroma of fresh dough and sizzling cheese first sparked my passion for the craft. I even ran my own pizza food truck in Hawai'i, learning the hustle and grind of running a business on wheels. But I knew I wanted more. I had to push myself beyond what I knew, to take a bold step toward something greater. So, I packed up what little I had and took a chance on a new city, ready to prove myself.

Chicago became my proving ground. I worked my way through every style of pizza imaginable—hand-tossed, wood-fired, deep dish, New York-style—you name it, I made it. Along the way, I absorbed everything I could about food, flavor, and hospitality. My hard work paid off when I climbed the ranks to become the General Manager of a French fine-dining restaurant—a far cry from my pizza-slinging roots, but an experience that refined my skills and deepened my passion for the industry.

Then, COVID-19 hit, and the restaurant world I had dedicated my life to crumbled overnight. With two young sons depending on me at the time, I had to make a drastic change. I stepped away from food and pivoted into an entirely different trade—professional carpet and upholstery restoration. It wasn’t glamorous, but it provided the stability my family needed. I truly believed my days in the kitchen were behind me.

For five years, I thought I had left the food industry for good. I had hung up my apron… or so I thought. But sometimes, life has a way of bringing you back to where you belong. When the perfect opportunity landed on my plate, I knew I had to go all in. Cowabunga, dude!

Today, as the owner of Cowabunga! Pizza Pies, I’m back doing what I love—bringing people together over great pizza. I’m not just making food; I’m building something special for my family, my community, and everyone who walks through my doors.

What started with a duffle bag and a dream has become a purpose, a legacy, and the chance to serve up the best damn pizza around.

Let’s eat!