CC Cole - Pastry Chef
Introduction
I am a graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Technology with dual degrees in Baking and Pastry Arts and Applied Management, with a minor in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship.
Since graduation, I have had the opportunity to work seasonally doing my two dream jobs. I work as a baker in Denali National Park, AK in the summer, while I am a chocolatier based out of the more temperate (haha a chocolate pun) Raleigh, NC in the winter.
A bit more about me!
Growing up, baking was a big part of my family’s life; this was a great way to spend time together and relax. To this day I still love to set time aside from my schedule, no matter how busy I am, to make food for friends and family. Giving gifts and serving others have always been major ways I show my love for people. As a result, being able to create and serve various foods has been a wonderful career thus far. It is so special to be able to make someone’s day brighter the way you can with a home-cooked dish.
Baking is truly both an art and a science. It is a great way to be creative, serve others, and also be intellectually challenged. There are so many technical skills and so much knowledge required to succeed in this industry. In school I have learned everything from the basic mixing methods to composition and assembly of more traditional European pastries. I love the complexities of certain mediums, such as chocolate, while at the same time having a whole world of possibilities to explore using just fundamental knowledge. In hospitality there is always more to learn – something to dive deeper into or specialize more in. This is not only true of the element of hands-on production, but also of working on a team and being a leader. While working on the job in management positions, I have been given opportunities to formulate strategies for success in team environments and help my coworkers thrive.
In my career thus far I have been blessed with incredible, once in a lifetime opportunities across the hospitality industry. From having the chance to work for legendary events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Major League Baseball Classic, to managing a woman-owned/operated meal delivery company, my hometown has provided a well rounded background. In recent years my work has taken me to new places, meeting talented and passionate peers and leaders. I have spent the last two summers in remote Alaska while working as a baker on a small team operating a family-owned lodge. During the winters I have been doing a dream job of mine - working as a chocolatier/confectioner for a bean-to-bar chocolate company in North Carolina.
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I am looking forward to what the future brings, both personally and professionally. Although I don't know exactly where I'll be in a couple years time, I am looking forward to continuing doing the jobs I love with teams that are just as passionate. I love being able to collaborate with others in a positive work environment while making excellent products. I look forward to continuing this type of work for years to come.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this introduction and view my portfolio. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have!