In Cooked, you talk about how during your trial, you sang a hymn to comfort yourself: "Jesus, I Know Youre Gonna Make A Way For Me." No one ever told me I was smart. Henderson attended several elementary and junior high schools including Toluca Lake Elementary School in North Hollywood, California and Hamilton Junior High School in Long Beach, California. He has written two cookbooks and one self-help book, and has had three of his own cooking shows produced for Food Network. To be trying to mentor an at-risk inner-city youngster whos been involved in gangs and drugs and crime and comes from generational poverty, the mentor has to have a deep understanding of that whole subculture in order to pull them in the direction they need to go in and to convince them that, you know, they have potential to change.Its like, if somebody was talking to me back in the day from the suburbs who was highly educated, I couldnt relate. Drug dealing is not a part of my life I'm proud of. In addition, he makes $501,251 as Non-Executive Director at Qualcomm. All rights reserved. THE DIGITAL REPOSITORY FOR THE BLACK EXPERIENCE. 416-946-3090. He is also a former felon, having served nearly a decade in prison for cocaine. Ive got to make a difference. Canada. Chef Jeff Henderson has a big story to tell. But it took trial-and-error and growth and development personally to be able to understand why I was put in that situation because, even when I was on the streets, I was a non-violent person. Yes, prison. Jeff Henderson wasn't just a crack cocaine dealer, he was the best crack cocaine dealer of his era. He is also a former felon, having served nearly a decade in prison for cocaine. When I came out of prison, the question I always asked, whether I was studying the top chefs or the wealthiest entrepreneurs is, what do they know that I don't know? In my former life, I defined manhood by having the most cars, the most beautiful women, money which brought status and credibility in my circle and in the world that I was living in.Today, I define a man as a person, a man of purpose, a man of structure, a man of conviction, someone who values his family, his children, his community, and is not valued by what he has materialistically. You never had a culinary school education, but you provide a culinary education for the crew members on The Chef Jeff Project if they complete the program.Yes. I had a heart. Toronto ON M5S 3M2. He moved on to other Los Angeles area restaurants, studying menus and books, and ultimately he was hired at the Ritz-Carlton in Marina Del Rey, Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles and the L'Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills. In 1992, Henderson was transferred to Nellis Air Force Base and worked in the dining hall. At that point, I built relationships with powerful inmates. What do you think is the first most basic thing that a kid whos heading toward trouble needs to hear to make them change course? CHEF JEFF INVITEDSIX YOUNG ADULTS WITH SIMILAR TEMPESTUOUSBACKGROUNDS TO WORK AS HIS CREW FOR POSH URBAN CUISINE FOR THE DURATION OF ONE MONTH. Youre able to be creative. He went on to work at Ritz-Carlton, Hotel Bel-Air and L'Ermitage (currently Viceroy L'Ermitage Beverly Hills). The Chef Jeff Project was founded in 2020 with a mission to change the lives of young disadvantaged, and system-impacted men and women in the Las Vegas community. Join our line up of GUESTS CHEFS. View FREE Public Profile & Reputation for Jeffrey Henderson in Arvada, CO - See Court Records | Photos | Address, Emails & Phone Numbers | Personal Review | $150 - $174,999 Income & Net Worth Together they fire up a platter of grilled shrimp, smoked salmon, grass-fed beef, jalapeno seasoned corn on the cob, and fresh asparagus. CHEF JEFF INVITEDSIX YOUNG ADULTS WITH SIMILAR TEMPESTUOUSBACKGROUNDS TO WORK AS HIS CREW FOR POSH URBAN CUISINE FOR THE DURATION OF ONE MONTH. Wanna follow Jeff Henderson (chef)'s net worth? I truly believe that my success is directly tied to Gods work, which is rescuing, motivating, inspiring, and uplifting people of all races and from all different communities. It's actually a myth about how to make money on Facebook Jeff Henderson is an American chef, bestselling author and popular public speaker. I reinforce them. Many people ask about the amount of money Jeff Henderson (chef) makes from Instagram. You write later, though, that while you were in jail, you became angry with Jesus. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. The paperwork led them directly to Henderson, who received a sentence of ten years and seven months in prison. In 1989, Henderson entered prison. He is also a former felon, having served nearly a decade in prison for cocaine. I was in denial when I first went in. Lo and behold, this is our Top 60 of celebrities that have been caught smoking or, Celebrities dont always wear makeup anymore. 2023 by The Chef Jeff PROJECT a non-profit 501C3. 2, Jeff Henderson describes the kitchens at the Terminal Island Federal Correctional Institution, Jeff Henderson remembers his mentor at the Terminal Island Federal Correctional Institution. Family Style With Chef Jeff. Early and personal life [ edit] Henderson was stabbed in the chest when he was 16 over a gang-related dispute. Jeff Henderson (musician), member of Upper Hutt Posse. CHEF JEFF INVITED SIX YOUNG ADULTS . A lot of people have access to a large quantity of drugs -- it still takes a unique businessman to move the product. Food Network's Chef Jeff Henderson talks to Beliefnet about how food helped him find his life's purpose. Family Style with Chef Jeff is a new show that demonstrates how good choices in the kitchen can lead to a life changing experience for the whole family. JEFF HENDERSON, known as "Chef Jeff," is an award-winning chef and inspirational speaker, . When I speak to young men especially, and my sons, I hug them. Jeff Henderson may refer to: Jeff Henderson (chef), American chef. What is your faith life like today?At the time when I talked about "Jesus, I Know Youre Gonna Make A Way For Me," my life was in the hands of a juror. [4], Family Style with Chef Jeff is a new show premiering Fall 2013 produced by Bellum Entertainment Group for national syndication in the US. I was hard-headed when I was young. I couldn't be a homeboy walking on up in the Bellagio. Now the author and motivational speaker founded The Chef Jeff Project, providing culinary and hospitality training to "disenfranchised youth, formerly incarcerated individuals and those seeking a second chance." It took a couple of years of positive people getting in my ear until one day I just accepted responsibility and gave up the victim card. What happened to Big T in Swamp People? Produced and managed by Clarion Events as part of the Food & Beverage Group in partnership with NGA, the NGA Show connects supermarket retailers and wholesalers, food manufacturers and service providers from around the world to share innovative solutions and best practices that support and strengthen the independent supermarket channel. Jeff's inspiring story has been featured on Oprah's Life Class, Good Morning America, Today Show, ABC World News Tonight, CNN, The Steve Harvey Show, and in major publications such as The New York Times, Newsweek, USA Today, People Magazine, the Washington Post, and many others. Name: Jeff Henderson Company: The Henderson Group Inc., Chef Jeff Catering, publishing, multimedia and consulting Age: 47 Location: Las Vegas Founded: 2007 Employees: 1 2012 Projected Revenue: $500,000 Website: chefjefflive.com small business small-business-success-stories jeff henderson Entrepreneur Spotlight Go To Homepage Before You Go Colleagues. What happened to you in prison that changed your course? THE SERIES. What I would do is mumble to myself, sometimes verbally out loud and have a self-talk before I would enter into a situation or a circumstance. Chef Jeffs life story that took him from prison inmate to renowned executive chef and Food Network TV personality, and his passion for helping at-risk youth transform their lives, is the right message at a time in our nation when many of our youth face barriers to success, noted NGA President and CEO Greg Ferrara. THROUGH MASTER-CLASS COACHING, IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL CULINARY AND HOSPITALITY TRAININGS, AND CUSTOMIZED BOOT-CAMP EXPERIENCES, WE PROVIDE A 4 WEEK HANDS ON EXPERIENCES FOR THOSE ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM. I would take potential clients to lunch or dinner, buy the gifts, take them shopping. He earned as much as $35,000 a week dealing cocaine in San Diego. Have you ever had to give up on anyone you were trying to mentor?I have given up on some individuals temporarily until they hit certain crossroads to get them to understand that its time to make a change and a difference. In 1997, Henderson left prison and his attempt to find employment proved fruitless. It was my mentality. Do you have to have a personal narrative to tell, like yours?I truly believe to be an effective mentor, you have to have the experience and the understanding of the person youre attempting to mentor. CNN senior political reporter Nia-Malika Henderson, age 46, has an estimated net worth of millions. Whats more importantbelieving in yourself, or having someone believe in you? I blamed white people, the police, the judge, my parents -- everyone but myself. "Scarface" was the yardstick for many urban drug dealers at that time -- the big houses, the Gotti lifestyle, the entourages. Chef Jeff Henderson is an award-winning chef, New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, television personality, and highly sought-after speaker on personal and professional development. I tell young guys: "If you're a gang leader, you have the ability to convince people to listen to you, buy into your program and follow you. [Al] Pacino playing Scarface came from poverty, from nothing, but he was a visionary. "Henderson spoke to Beliefnet about what it means to be a real man, why he was once so angry with Jesus, and what is the perfect bite of food. Jeff become the executive chef at Cafe Bellagio and Caesars Palace after serving a decade in prison. According to NGA, the independent grocery sector is accountable for about 1.2%of the nation's overall economy and is responsible for generating more than $250 billion in sales, 1.1 million jobs, $39 billion in wages and $36 billion in taxes. And then I started changing. While doing time, he became the prison cook, then went on to become the first African-American chef at the Bellagio casino in Las Vegas before branding himself as "Chef Jeff" and starting The Henderson Group Inc., a catering, publishing, multimedia and consulting firm. On the menu is health and sanitation, food safety and professional demeanor while in the kitchen as well with hitting hard on following directions from authority. There has to be a level of balance between the two, because you cant get an opportunity or reach a level of success without both. Chef Jeff discovered his passion and gift for cooking in an unlikely place, prison. The format of the reality television program is such that all participants who complete the project are eligible for the Food Network Scholarship to culinary school. I became a neighborhood legend. An award-winning American chef, New York Times best-selling author, philanthropist, TV star and motivational speaker, Henderson presents audiences with high-impact strategies that empower change, inspire fulfillment and motivate people to follow their dreams. The National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, will welcome chef, author and Food Network television personality Jeff Henderson, known as Chef Jeff, as the keynote speaker for the 2021 NGA Show, scheduled for Sept. 19-21 at the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. He became Executive Chef at Caf Bellagio in Las Vegas. If you always have a better product and better price, word will spread. Special Interest 2013. In turn, after a 5-year run selling crack, a 1988 arrest and a 9-year stint in prison, his drug dealing experience prepared him to become a successful entrepreneur. I got on-the-job training, but there still were a lot of pieces that I missed, so I had to pick up on those by reading culinary curriculum and culinary books that were mandatory usage in the top culinary schools.Its one of the reasons why I want to give the young people scholarships to school versus money or gadgets and trinkets, because one day, when they find a point in their life they want to give back or reach back and give the same opportunity to someone that I gave them, they have the credentials to be able to teach in a culinary school. From the prison kitchen to a groundbreaking position as the first African American executive chef at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, "Chef Jeff" worked his way through the American culinary world. These Are The 10 Best-Paid Television Stars In The World. Net Worth, Husban Paloma Jimnez - is Vin Diesel married to his lon What did Bryan Harsin do? And, you know, I had to go to prison to find myself, to be able to teach and do the things that I do today.I am a believer in God, and I am a Christian. Yearly Salary. An award-winning American chef, New York Times best-selling author, philanthropist, TV star and motivational speaker, Henderson presents audiences with high-impact strategies that empower change, inspire fulfillment and motivate people to follow their dreams. It's the same concept in any business -- if you're a car dealer, you need to go to Detroit. Without food, no one could survive. The Chef Jeff Project is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and grants to achieve its mission. Jeff Henderson is a chef, television personality, and author. I had to leverage my skills to convince employers, whether it was instead of a 90-day probation, give me a 30-day probation, or showing them I was first to work every day, last to leave, I didnt take a lunch break, and went above and beyond and moved heaven and earth to learn everything that I could to have personal growth in that company.Maybe its 75 percent confidence in yourself, and a potential employer may only have 25. Having missed out on having loving male figures in your life as a young man, how do you show love to your wife and children, to the young people that you mentor? His first television show "The Chef Jeff Project" aired on The Food Network in fall 2008, to widespread acclaim. Celebrity Chef Jeff Henderson will be the keynote speaker at RISE National 2020, now a virtual event, on June 30th. And its by the grace of God that Ive made it this far, to live to be 44 years old. Tough love talk about the consequences of making bad choices, because a lot of young people make wrong choices as far as gangs, drugs, and crime, but they dont know the consequence. You have to be able to convince that individual or organization that you have potential, you have the skill set and the mind set to work within that particular company and be an effective employee that produces that is results-driven.Thats one thing that I was able to bring to the table because, I knew that I had to create some leverage. Please only use it for a guidance and Jeff Henderson (athlete)'s actual income may vary a lot from the dollar amount shown above. 2023 The HistoryMakers. He was making up to $35,000 a week. I had a certain level of consciousness. I dont have the credentials to teach in a culinary school because I dont have a diploma in culinary arts. Click Here for more info. I've never used drugs and I've never been a violent person. I was always a hungry little boy growing up, because food wasn't . Its the most important, most valuable gift that God gave humans. You have great leadership potential, understand logistics and manage a diverse workforce. How do you compare the value of official school education as opposed to what you can learn on jobs from mentors, from books?Well, what I missed is the culinary terminology, better understanding of the science of cooking, the historical aspects of foods, proper cooking technique and things like that. But, you have to tilt that to your advantage. Your generous and tax-deductible contributions allow usto continue our mission to make an impact and change lives. By 2001, Henderson was honored as Chef of the Year by the American Food and Wine Tasting Federation, and soon established The Westside Group, a non-profit organization to help troubled kids. Jeff Henderson remembers the mentorship of Friendly Womack, Jr. Jeff Henderson recalls his attempt to attend a culinary program in prison, Jeff Henderson describes the drug treatment program in Sheridan, Oregon, Jeff Henderson remembers the mentorship of Robert Gadsby, Jeff Henderson remembers working at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott, Jeff Henderson talks about his wife and children, Jeff Henderson recalls becoming a chef at the Altitude Sky Lounge in San Diego, California, Jeff Henderson remembers working at The Ritz-Carlton in Marina Del Ray, California, Jeff Henderson recalls working at Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, California, Jeff Henderson remembers his move to Los Vegas, Nevada, Jeff Henderson recalls securing a position at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jeff Henderson describes his methods for motivating his kitchen staff, Jeff Henderson remembers becoming the executive chef of the Cafe Bellagio, Jeff Henderson talks about the West Side Foundation and the Urban Education Consulting firm, Jeff Henderson describes how he would like to be remembered, Jeff Henderson describes his autobiography, 'Cooked', Jeff Henderson describes his plans for the future, Occupation(s): Excited to get back in training mode with our students. And over a period of time, I began to be praised for the foods that I prepared, the flavors, the pride, you know, that I put into cooking. The New York Times, Newsweek, USA Today, People Magazine, the Washington Post. When I went to the suburban areas on my paper route, I smiled, had the gift of gab, the hustle, the drive, the tenacity. You outsmart, out-strategize the competition.". The Chef Jeff Project Relaunch empowers the future leadersof tomorrow. That was followed by several appearances on Food Network shows, including "Dinner: Impossible . Henderson was hired as a dishwasher, and then was promoted to line cook. Jeff Henderson net worth is $18 Million Jeff Henderson Wiki: Salary, Married, Wedding, Spouse, Family Jeff Henderson is an award-winning chef, bestselling author and popular public speaker. You've created a business persona as "Chef Jeff," but what was your persona in the drug business? But the 52-year-old's path to becoming a nationally renowned culinary sensation was anything . Jeff Henderson resides in Las Vegas with his wife and three children. On 19-2-1989 Jeff Henderson was born in United States. Don't Miss: Nancy Wiesenfeld Wiki, Age, Net Worth Led a transformation agenda across people, process, and technology to: 1. Henderson was accepted into the Culinary Training School for inmates at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. WE CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISENFRANCHISED YOUTH, FORMERLY INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS, AND THOSE SEEKING A SECOND CHANCE BY PARTNERING WITH INDIVIDUALS, ORGANIZATIONS, CORPORATIONS, AND THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY TO EMPOWER THE YOUTH FOR SUCCESS. Henderson grew up on the tough streets of South Central, Los Angeles and San Diego in areas where local gangs battled daily. Jeff Henderson describes his maternal grandparents, Jeff Henderson describes his parents' marriage, Jeff Henderson describes his maternal grandfather, Jeff Henderson describes his father's family background, Jeff Henderson describes his family's move to Los Angeles, California, Jeff Henderson describes his parents' personalities and his likeness to them, Jeff Henderson describes his mother's occupation, Jeff Henderson remembers Toluca Lake Elementary School in Los Angeles, California, Jeff Henderson remembers moving to San Diego, California, Jeff Henderson recalls Kit Carson Elementary School in San Diego, California, Jeff Henderson remembers growing up in the projects of San Diego, California, Jeff Henderson recalls struggling as a student at Montgomery Junior High School in San Diego, California, Jeff Henderson remembers moving to his father's home in San Diego, California, Jeff Henderson remembers his expulsion from the Los Angeles Unified School District, Jeff Henderson remembers Alexander Hamilton Junior High School in Long Beach, California, Jeff Henderson recalls his suspension from Alexander Hamilton Junior High School, Jeff Henderson recalls his decision to return to San Diego, California, Jeff Henderson remembers his relationship with Thess Good, Jeff Henderson remembers selling marijuana at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Diego, California, Jeff Henderson remembers selling crack cocaine, Jeff Henderson talks about developing his business skills as a drug dealer, Jeff Henderson reflects upon his career as a drug dealer, Jeff Henderson recalls his techniques for selling crack cocaine, Jeff Henderson remembers learning to cook crack cocaine, Jeff Henderson remembers his family's response to his drug dealing, Jeff Henderson explains how he was caught and arrested for drug dealing, Jeff Henderson remembers his arrival at the Terminal Island Federal Correctional Institution, Jeff Henderson describes the culture of the Terminal Island Federal Correctional Institution, Jeff Henderson describes what he learned from the Nation of Islam, Jeff Henderson describes what he learned from the white inmates, Jeff Henderson reflects upon his experiences in prison, pt. Jeff Henderson is an American chef, bestselling author and popular public speaker. The opening keynote session is sponsored by, 2021 NGA Show to Offer Broad Range of Education Sessions, NGA Reveals Creative Choice Awards Category Winners, NGA Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award Goes to Cheryl Sommer, NGA Makes Another Major Move to Support Independent Grocers, Grocery Outlet to Expand Private Label Assortment, SpartanNash Taps Todd Riksen to Lead Accounting Functions.