“Why did you start cooking?” If I had to pick one question that I ask every single time, it’s this one. Why? Because it tells me so much: - Where you come from - How you feel about food - If you're going to be in the industry a long time - If you take pride in the food you cook This question also lowers defenses and it allows me to have a really nice, smooth conversation. I think personal style is so important in an interview, so that you can talk to people the way that you're comfortable. This question makes me comfortable in an interview with most people, and it allows me to find common ground with most everybody that I interview. 🔗 I have a YouTube video where I dive into this question and share my full approach to interviews, including a list of my favorite questions. Watch it here: https://lnkd.in/eQh4_bae . . . #LegitConcepts #BeyondTheFood #MiseEnPlace #CulinaryExcellence #ExecutiveChef #CulinaryLeadership #CulinaryCoaching #ChefCoach #InterviewTips #HiringTheBest #TeamDevelopment
Legit Concepts
Professional Training and Coaching
Savannah, GA 663 followers
Helping Professional Chefs master the crafts of cooking, leading, and competing. Founded by Chef Gerald L. Ford, CMC.
About us
Founded by Chef Gerald L. Ford, CMC to help Professional Chefs master the crafts of Cooking, Leading, & Competing. About the Founder: Gerald L. Ford, CMC is one of 73 Certified Master Chefs and former Captain of the American National Culinary Team USA, Chef Ford had stops in Michelin Starred Restaurants, The Moulin de Mougins and Eleven Madison Park. Over his career, Master Chef Ford has established himself as a professional who is focused, driven, innovative and organized beyond obsessive. During his 30 years in the food service industry, Master Chef Ford was part of the opening team at The Mandarin Oriental in Columbus Circle, NYC. He also served as part of the opening team of several restaurants in New York State and worked for the Four Seasons & Ritz Carlton Hotel Companies. For the last thirteen years he has been working in Platinum-Level Private Clubs in the role of Executive Chef, Culinary Director, Executive Sous Chef & Sous Chef. Earning medals at the highest level of international competition and the Culinary Olympics, Chef Ford has proven his resourcefulness and honed his leadership, leading and developing the best chefs in the world. Chef Ford is an ACF judge, former Captain of the 2020 National Culinary Team USA, former ice sculpting competitor. Chef Ford's work and expertise have been highlighted in Club & Resort Chef and South Magazine. www.legitconcepts.com
- Website
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www.legitconcepts.com
External link for Legit Concepts
- Industry
- Professional Training and Coaching
- Company size
- 2-10 employees
- Headquarters
- Savannah, GA
- Type
- Self-Owned
- Founded
- 2020
- Specialties
- culinary mastery coach, culinary trainings, and chef coach
Locations
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Primary
Savannah, GA, US
Employees at Legit Concepts
Updates
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Being an Executive Chef is about more than just the food—it’s about building the systems that allow your operation to thrive. In this video, I share five essential steps to move beyond the plate and step into the role of a true leader. If you’ve ever felt like your kitchen is running you instead of the other way around, this is the guide you’ve been waiting for. ⬇️ VIDEO LINK IS IN THE COMMENTS ⬇️
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Attitudes + Behaviors = Success As chefs, we all want team members with great attitudes. But here’s the thing: I don’t just want great attitudes; I want great behaviors too. Some behaviors can be taught, but only if you set the standard first. Define clear expectations (like time standards). Communicate those expectations upfront. Coach and guide your team to ensure they meet them consistently. This combination of attitudes + behaviors is the foundation for a strong, reliable team. Ready to lead your kitchen with clarity and confidence? Let’s talk: www.legitconcepts.com . . . #LegitConcepts #BeyondTheFood #MiseEnPlace #CulinaryExcellence #ExecutiveChef #CulinaryLeadership #CulinaryJourney #CulinaryCoaching #ChefCoach #TeamCulture #KitchenStandards
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Time is a Standard. In the kitchen, if I’m loose with time, my team will start to be casual with other standards too. It's a ripple effect. Here’s the reality: 12:00 is 12:00. You’re either on time, or you’re not. Once you allow gray areas to creep in, other cracks start to form—consistency, discipline, and execution begin to suffer. In my experience, staying firm on time creates a foundation of accountability that keeps everything else running smoothly. Ready to elevate your team and establish clear standards and systems? 🔗 Visit my website to learn more: www.legitconcepts.com . . . #LegitConcepts #BeyondTheFood #MiseEnPlace #CulinaryExcellence #ExecutiveChef #CulinaryLeadership #CulinaryJourney #CulinaryCoaching #ChefCoach #TeamDiscipline #TimeIsAStandard
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Kitchen budgeting tip… Keep a running list throughout the year. See an equipment need? Get a bid as soon as possible and save it. Found a piece of silver you like? Grab the item number and file it away. Even if you can't afford it yet, just get the bid, and keep yourself organized so it's that much easier to execute the final bid. Let's make budgeting one less thing to stress about. I help Chefs master not only their craft but also the business side of running a successful kitchen. 🔗 Visit my website to learn more: www.legitconcepts.com . . . #LegitConcepts #BeyondTheFood #MiseEnPlace #CulinaryExcellence #ExecutiveChef #CulinaryLeadership #CulinaryJourney #CulinaryCoaching #ChefCoach #BudgetSeason
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Thank you to Chef Clinton Stanton for sharing his experience with coaching. Gain the tools, guidance, and support you need to excel at the highest levels of your craft with Culinary Systems & Craft Mastery Coaching. 🔗 Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me here: https://lnkd.in/e4UWks7G . . . #LegitConcepts #BeyondTheFood #MiseEnPlace #CulinaryExcellence #ExecutiveChef #CulinaryLeadership #CulinaryCoaching #ChefCoach #ProfessionalGrowth
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Disorganization can turn even the smoothest kitchen into chaos. In this video, discover practical strategies to take control of your operation, empower your team, and focus on what truly matters. These simple habits will help you streamline your workflow and elevate your leadership. ⬇️ VIDEO LINK IS IN THE COMMENTS ⬇️
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Delegation isn’t just passing off tasks—it’s a critical leadership skill that separates great chefs from overwhelmed ones. It’s not about doing less; it’s about teaching your team to do more, and do it right. Ready to elevate your team and streamline your operations? Let’s make it happen. 🔗 Visit my website to learn more: www.legitconcepts.com . . . #LegitConcepts #BeyondTheFood #MiseEnPlace #CulinaryExcellence #ExecutiveChef #CulinaryLeadership #CulinaryCoaching #ChefCoach #DelegationSkills #ChefLife #KitchenSuccess
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What Makes a Cook Promotable? When evaluating cooks for promotability, I focus on six key competencies: 1. Time management 2. Food-related skills 3. Organization 4. Cleanliness 5. Financial responsibility 6. Communication These areas are the foundation for success in any kitchen. Which of these do you prioritize in your team? If you’re ready to build stronger teams and elevate your kitchen operations, I can help. 🔗 Visit my website to learn more: www.legitconcepts.com . . . #LegitConcepts #BeyondTheFood #MiseEnPlace #CulinaryExcellence #ExecutiveChef #CulinaryLeadership #CulinaryJourney #CulinaryCoaching #ChefCoach #KitchenExcellence #TeamDevelopment