From Kitchen to Company: How Jean Jacques Kabuya Grew His Culinary Career Through Leadership Training

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Jean Jacques Kabuya spent 15 years building his career as a Red Seal chef. But when he made the jump to business ownership, he quickly discovered that technical skill alone wasn’t enough.

“I quickly realized that cooking and running a business are completely different things.”

Today, Jean Jacques is the owner of Salt n Sear Catering and Rustic Roast Cafe & Bar. His success didn’t just come from his experience in the kitchen. It came from his decision to invest in new skills.

Learning Beyond the Kitchen

As his businesses began to grow, Jean Jacques knew he needed to strengthen his leadership and management abilities.

“I signed up for a short online course to learn about leadership and management. It fit into my schedule while I grew my businesses.”

He also took advantage of flexible learning opportunities, including micro-courses and continuing education through the BC Chefs Association. These options allowed him to build practical skills without stepping away from his day-to-day operations.

Building Skills to Support Growth

The impact of that training was immediate.

“The additional training I took made me more efficient and capable of growth.”

With new tools and techniques, Jean Jacques was better equipped to manage both full-time staff and a network of contract workers across his cafe and catering business.

“The tools and techniques I learned are now helping me manage my cafe staff and many contract workers.”

Leading a Stronger Team

For Jean Jacques, investing in his own development also changed how he supports his team.

“I always recommend additional training to my employees because it helps everyone improve their understanding and adds necessary skills.”

As his businesses expanded, upgrading his management approach became essential.

“We have full-time staff and multiple contract workers, so upgrading my management skills was important.”

Why Leadership Training Matters in the Trades

Jean Jacques believes that many skilled professionals hit a ceiling, not because of their technical abilities, but because they lack formal leadership training.

“There are a lot of talented chefs without formal education. But to be a great chef, you need management and leadership training.”

By developing those skills, he was able to transform how he operates his businesses.

“Leadership and staff management courses showed me how to run my businesses like a corporation rather than a small operation.”

Taking the Next Step

Jean Jacques continues to grow his businesses with confidence, thanks to the skills he gained through professional development.

“It helped me level up, be more efficient, and be able to grow a bigger business with multiple staff.”

For others in the trades, his message is clear: upgrading your skills isn’t just about doing your job better. It’s about unlocking new opportunities.

Regardless of what industry you're in, there are plenty of professional development courses on the TradeUpBC website that can help you upgrade your career. Explore courses and programs now.

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