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A ProStart Alum's Sweet Journey From Student to Entrepreneur
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Jordon Shirk is a prime example of how the ProStart program can lay the foundation for success in the culinary world. With over 30 years, of combined food and beverage experience from around the nation and the globe, Jordon and his wife Emily made the decision in 2021 to become entrepreneurs. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the culinary pair opened Semifreddo, a popular Italian-inspired mobile food experience that offers desserts and baguette sandwiches and its signature gourmet Italian-style ice cream.
"I was passionate about the restaurant industry and wanted to make the jump into entrepreneurship with my wife, Emily," said Shirk. "We show up to work every day excited to grow and expand, and we're able to view each challenge as an opportunity to row. I knew that a traditional college pathway wasn't for me, so I was excited to realize there were other options out there, like the ProStart program and the South African Chefs Academy in Cape Town, where I studied immediately following my ProStart experience. "
Jordon, a Michigan ProStart graduate, is quick to share that he got his start thanks to the ProStart program he completed in high school. Jordon had always had a passion for food, but he lacked the formal training and industry connections. ProStart was the catalyst that allowed him to transform this passion into a career and ultimately a thriving business.
"ProStart was a large part of building my foundation in the food industry. It gives students the hands-on experience and the technical experience of working in a restaurant, as well as the problem solving, team building, and life skills that students will use each day in any future role."
"I was passionate about the restaurant industry and wanted to make the jump into entrepreneurship with my wife, Emily," said Shirk. "We show up to work every day excited to grow and expand, and we're able to view each challenge as an opportunity to row. I knew that a traditional college pathway wasn't for me, so I was excited to realize there were other options out there, like the ProStart program and the South African Chefs Academy in Cape Town, where I studied immediately following my ProStart experience. "
Jordon, a Michigan ProStart graduate, is quick to share that he got his start thanks to the ProStart program he completed in high school. Jordon had always had a passion for food, but he lacked the formal training and industry connections. ProStart was the catalyst that allowed him to transform this passion into a career and ultimately a thriving business.
"ProStart was a large part of building my foundation in the food industry. It gives students the hands-on experience and the technical experience of working in a restaurant, as well as the problem solving, team building, and life skills that students will use each day in any future role."
The program's curriculum blends culinary arts with restaurant management, giving students like Jordon both the technical kitchen skills and the business ability necessary for a successful career in the foodservice industry.
For Jordan, this dual focus was essential. It not only helped him refine his culinary techniques but also taught him the ins and outs of running a restaurant, such as managing a team, understanding food costs, balancing a budget, and providing excellent customer service.
ProStart also provided Jordan with the opportunity for hands-on learning, which was one of the most beneficial aspects of the program.
For Jordan, this dual focus was essential. It not only helped him refine his culinary techniques but also taught him the ins and outs of running a restaurant, such as managing a team, understanding food costs, balancing a budget, and providing excellent customer service.
ProStart also provided Jordan with the opportunity for hands-on learning, which was one of the most beneficial aspects of the program.
The program's curriculum blends culinary arts with restaurant management, giving students like Jordon both the technical kitchen skills and the business ability necessary for a successful career in the foodservice industry.
For Jordan, this dual focus was essential. It not only helped him refine his culinary techniques but also taught him the ins and outs of running a restaurant, such as managing a team, understanding food costs, balancing a budget, and providing excellent customer service.
ProStart also provided Jordan with the opportunity for hands-on learning, which was one of the most beneficial aspects of the program. Students participate in internships and real-world experiences that prepare them for the demands of the industry. Jordon had the chance to work in professional kitchens and manage real-life restaurant situations, which gave him a leg up when it came to managing the day-to-day operations of his own mobile restaurant later in his career.
"As a ProStart graduate, I was uniquely qualified for each of my roles in the hospitality industry. I had the foundational skills already in place and needed less on-the-job training than many of my peers. It made a huge difference for me."
His journey from student to co-owner of a successful mobile restaurant was also aided by strong connections with mentors, industry professionals, and potential employers. Through ProStart, Jordon was able to form relationships with people who later become part of his professional network, like Chef Steven Deal from the Calhoun Area Career Center, which proved essential when it came time to launch his own venture.
"I've called on so many friends and family members since I started this business to help with events, to answer questions, or just to give me peace of mind as we expand. Chef Deal helped me learn the skills I needed as a student, and professionally, he's remained a mentor and a resource. That sort of network is unique to ProStart."
With Semifreddo now a Grand Rapids staple known for its high-quality Italian menu, the success of the mobile dessert experience is a reflection of the creativity and values of this husband-and-wife team, as well as a testament to the lifechanging effects of the ProStart program.
If you're interested in having Semifreddo at your event, find them in your community or reach out to host them at www.semifreddo.com/where-to-find-us
For Jordan, this dual focus was essential. It not only helped him refine his culinary techniques but also taught him the ins and outs of running a restaurant, such as managing a team, understanding food costs, balancing a budget, and providing excellent customer service.
ProStart also provided Jordan with the opportunity for hands-on learning, which was one of the most beneficial aspects of the program. Students participate in internships and real-world experiences that prepare them for the demands of the industry. Jordon had the chance to work in professional kitchens and manage real-life restaurant situations, which gave him a leg up when it came to managing the day-to-day operations of his own mobile restaurant later in his career.
"As a ProStart graduate, I was uniquely qualified for each of my roles in the hospitality industry. I had the foundational skills already in place and needed less on-the-job training than many of my peers. It made a huge difference for me."
His journey from student to co-owner of a successful mobile restaurant was also aided by strong connections with mentors, industry professionals, and potential employers. Through ProStart, Jordon was able to form relationships with people who later become part of his professional network, like Chef Steven Deal from the Calhoun Area Career Center, which proved essential when it came time to launch his own venture.
"I've called on so many friends and family members since I started this business to help with events, to answer questions, or just to give me peace of mind as we expand. Chef Deal helped me learn the skills I needed as a student, and professionally, he's remained a mentor and a resource. That sort of network is unique to ProStart."
With Semifreddo now a Grand Rapids staple known for its high-quality Italian menu, the success of the mobile dessert experience is a reflection of the creativity and values of this husband-and-wife team, as well as a testament to the lifechanging effects of the ProStart program.
If you're interested in having Semifreddo at your event, find them in your community or reach out to host them at www.semifreddo.com/where-to-find-us
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For more information about how to get connected to MHF, visit our website at mihf.org or email Amanda Smith at [email protected]
