Taking time off during our busy operations can be stressful, whether it’s peak season, the off-season, or at a year-round property. We hope our operations maintain their standards and that our team feels supported and happy, just as they did when we left.
As we all know, time off is essential not just for ourselves but for our families, our teams, and the overall success of our operations. This became personal for me when I welcomed my second child into the world. I planned to take several weeks off to be with my family, bond with the baby, and support my wife through her recovery.
To any parents—whether it’s your first child or your fifth—please take the time to cherish these moments. They are some of the most meaningful you will ever experience, and you will never regret making them a priority. As we talk about shifting our industry toward a more family-first mindset and attracting the next generation of culinarians, today’s chefs must lead by example. We must also empower our sous chefs and team leaders by giving them responsibilities that support their development. I learned plenty from my mentors, but I learned even more when they were gone and I had to step up.
Below are a few of the techniques and procedures that helped me prepare for and manage my time away.
1. Plan, Plan, and Plan Again
Having a plan is critical when preparing to take time off. I began my preparations nine months before my leave. I blocked off days on my calendar and informed my team well in advance so they could prepare and ensure they would be well-rested while I was away.
I also met with my events team to review the calendar and explore opportunities to reschedule events to better accommodate my absence. While some bookings were fixed, others could be adjusted with a week’s notice, which helped ease the load on the team. I also had my former sous chef and current sous chef create menus for the period I would be away. This gave them a chance to deliver their own work and allowed for more flexibility in the kitchen.
2. Use the Whole Team
This is one of the most important aspects of a successful operation. It is not just about the back-of-house team. It includes the front-of-house staff and the entire club. Whenever I start at a new property, I meet with each director and ask, “What can culinary do for you?” This opens a dialogue and builds a relationship that says we are here to help, not just to cook.
I may not know how to manage the front desk, mow the greens, or guide a new member through the application process, but I will always try to assist another department when I can. Over the past two years at Brentwood, these relationships have grown into a strong cross-departmental support system. When I took time off, the entire club looked after the culinary team, not just the BOH staff.
Even if others do not know how to cook, their support—helping with setup, jumping in during a banquet, or assisting with promotions—makes a huge difference. It reflects the kind of community every club should strive to build. I am extremely grateful for that.
3. Future Leaders
Finally, the most critical element of preparing to be away is how you structure your leadership team and task management. I am lucky to have an executive sous chef with whom I share everything transparently. This allows him to lead effectively in my absence and prepares him for his own future leadership roles.
He, in turn, assigns smaller tasks to our junior leaders, helping them grow into their next steps. This creates a proactive team effort that supports the current operation and prepares us for what comes next. When I returned from leave, I was proud to promote three junior leaders, thanks to how well the team collaborated in my absence. It also sent a clear message that we respect time off—for everyone. It is not just about protecting my time. It is about protecting theirs, too.
If you know my story, you know I aim to be the best leader I can be. I am proud of running strong operations, but I also want to be present for the important moments in life. That balance matters. As we develop ourselves and future leaders, we must show the next generation what it looks like to lead with purpose.
It is perfectly acceptable to take meaningful time off for life events, as long as you build the support systems to sustain your absence. Doing so empowers your team to reach their goals and teaches them to take care of one another.
As I write this, having returned to a thriving kitchen and a vibrant club, I feel deeply thankful and inspired. My team reminded me of the value of trust, shared effort, and what it truly means to lead with care. Always pay it forward, and never forget to cherish the moments that make life worth living.
