“Quality equipment is super important. Especially when you’re working outdoors and you’re storing your equipment out in the elements. With dull knives, you’re going to tear up your meat before you even get to the cooking process. Subpar equipment just makes the whole process harder and more frustrating.”

“You absolutely have to have the right tool for the right job. We can talk about what that right tool is. Who makes it is a different story. A chef’s knife, for instance, is our right hand. It’s more than a tool. It’s the feel, it’s the love, it’s the weight, it’s the durability. And it’s the people who make it and back it. How they’re going to take care of you as much as you’re going to take care of that knife. When you’re talking about something that’s a part of a school and making an impact, we have to make sure we’re giving students quality, we’re giving them somebody who is going to support that product and something that’s going to be with them for life. With Mercer, we’re doing that holistically and that’s very important.”

“I love my knives; I love collecting knives. Knives are a critical component of the success of any meal, but it’s important to have a good, sharp one. Otherwise, it’s more of a weapon than a tool.”

“I’m in charge of the content creation for my business. I realized my little thrift store cutting board and dull knives passed down through the years aren’t the best background to showcase my fruit. Upgrading my tools makes a better presentation. A bad picture doesn’t do justice to the stellar produce I’m displaying.”