Hey, it’s Alex,
We all love shiny trophies, awards, and medals.
I’m not quite sure what it is in us that fuels our desire for recognition, especially in food, where the idea of what’s “best”—particularly when it comes to pizza—is so deeply subjective.
In my opinion, there’s something far more meaningful than any award, and that’s the connection and acceptance from our peers. To me, that’s worth more than any accolade.
Over the past two years, meeting so many wonderful people has had a profound impact on my career.
An award is nice—it symbolizes that others believe you’ve done something exceptionally well—but it often loses its luster and ends up gathering dust.
A friendship, however, is a lasting bond that can endure a lifetime.
If you’re just starting out in pizza, I’d encourage you to connect with those who are doing work you admire. Ask questions, make friends—everyone has been in your shoes at some point, and there’s nothing more valuable than having someone to lean on when you’re unsure of your next step.
“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’” – C.S. Lewis
Jeff and I met a few months ago, and just a couple of weeks back, we launched a pop-up together. You never know who will walk through your door or where that connection might lead.
