My name is Matt Jones, and I've just completed my first operational year year as a catering chef. I've been running my catering company, Starry Nights Catering & Events, for 18 months now with my wife Denise, and things are going amazingly well. I can't believe my good fortune.

I was a graphic designer for 10 years, the last four years of which were at Microsoft. I decided it was time for a career change, so I spent most of 2003 researching the culinary industry and interviewing chefs. I left Microsoft in October 2004 and worked as an apprentice for a year under Gabriel Claycamp of Culinary Communion.

At the end of 2005, I had the opportunity to buy an existing commercial kitchen in Kirkland. A business was closing, and they had a beautiful, spacious kitchen built, and all I had to do was write a check and assume the lease. It was probably the scariest thing I've ever done, when balancing the consequences! I haven't regretted anything yet, although I'm working like a madman, seven days a week.

This blog will continue to be a document of my experiences and lessons as I pursue my new career and grow my business. Please enjoy it and stay in touch. My e-mail address is mattj @ kungfuchef.com (please remove the spaces).