Today we’d like to introduce you to Trae Hockman.
Hi Trae, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi there, I am Chef Trae A.E. Hockman. My passion for the art of food found me after volunteering as an Assistant Baker in Oceana Commissary at MDBS. I was grateful to discover my hard work paid off after being offered a full-time position at the Fort Lee base. I would later learn the ins and outs of the bakery and deli departments.
Time moved forward, and it was time for me to continue to develop my passion. I enrolled in the Hospitality Management Program at Virginia State University with a focus on culinary arts. I furthered my education by transferring to the Culinard Culinary Arts program offered by the state of Virginia.
My professional career began in Richmond, Virginia mentoring under Chef Ed at District 5, a city staple. Reality met me in the form of experience and I began to understand the “Chef life”. Chef Ed and my path would cross again later in my career at another Richmond staple, Southern Railway Taphouse.
In between District 5 and Southern Railway, I was presented with an opportunity to help open The Shaved Duck and work alongside Chef Matt Kirwan and Chef Milton Suarez as they led the first team. With my confidence high and my experience deep, I set on the journey to work food trucks, hotels, fine dining, casual dining, you name it. You have met me here in Tampa Bay, Florida. Grateful and excited to grow and share my passion for food with you.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Far from a smooth road, success is not an easy path. Life definitely happened to me during my journey. I remember working two jobs while in culinary school. I also remember, driving a 50cc Tao Tao scooter to get to school and those jobs. It was totally worth it because I learned how to win even though some would say I was losing.
This brought me to an amazing culinary journey some jobs were because I needed the money, while other jobs were about the knowledge. No matter the situation I would come across, or the rent I was behind on. Once I saw no matter what happens to you Trae Hockman you have the skill and the gift to turn it into a performance, with those things I’m here now and just getting started.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Absolute Elevation Group LLC is a Hospitality group that focuses on bringing the elevated experience to you. We created the Chef A.E project to help provide private catering services, cooking classes, cooking content, traveling chef experiences, you name it we offer it. Chef A.E is working with podcasts as well as Breakfast with the Jetsons, I really wanted to create a better hospitality experience with better vibes.
What I love most about my brand is it’s original and genuine. The toxic kitchen life has to go and Absolute Elevation Group is here to bring a new experience to life. We specialize in the customer experience. I’m proud of my brand because it’s my version of what the hospitality industry is supposed to look like.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Honestly yes I want to give thanks to a list of people for either showing me techniques buying me equipment, or just giving me a hug and telling me keep working toward my dream you’ll get there. Those people who kept telling me to record my cooking, your personality is amazing.
My friends mostly have been there for me, of course, my family has helped financially. Mentors along the way Chef Mike Lindsey, has definitely motivated me to chase my dream. Chef Ed believed in me when no one else did. Mr Bryan Hart has always been there for me thank you so much, Mr B.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chefae.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/absolute.elevation.group.llc?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Image Credits
Ally Dzima, Albert Warren, Black Everest Productions, and Absolute Elevation Group
