Years of Experience : over 32 years         

While growing up in his hometown of Ottawa, Andre as a teenager, enjoyed teaching swimming and lifeguarding.

Andre took the plunge into the deep end and started his first cooking job at 18 years of age. He worked in a small restaurant in a very popular location as a dishwasher/prep person. Andre has looked up the restaurant he worked at, and it’s still in operation 40 years after the fact.

In his early 20’s, he moved away from home to find work for the summer in Banff, Alberta. That summer turned into just under 20 years of work in the food and beverage industry.  Andre always took pride in his work and had no problem starting out as a dishwasher at any new place of work. Under the mentorship of many great chefs, it didn’t take Andre long to climb up the ladder to become an integral part of many restaurant operations.  During his time in Banff, Andre further pursued his knowledge and passion for food. Andre also had a passion for meeting new people, which grew as well, as Banff attracted many international tourists. Andre has managed kitchens and front-of-the-house operations and really enjoyed his time there.

Andre then moved to the lower mainland of British Colombia and also sought work in the culinary industry. Andre also ran a smaller kitchen in the USA for 6 months.

After more than 30 years in the profession, Andre decided to attend culinary school. Andre graduated from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver BC. Andre knows he did things backwards!

 After schooling and a few other cooking jobs, Andre moved to Vancouver Island and retired. During his retirement, Andre volunteers for many organizations and continued to enjoy working even as a volunteer.

 Just recently, Andre took up his current position at Fresh Start Health Retreat. His passion for food as well as his passion for people has never stopped, and he enjoys all aspects of the role.

Andre, being a strong team player with a professional positive as well as a sense of humour, has enjoyed everything and everyone on this new journey.

Andre enjoys the outdoors as much as possible on his days off. He enjoys gardening, camping, walking his small dog Kobe in the woods, e-biking, and helping out his neighbours.