Upon graduating from High School, Paul joined the United States Navy, where he served onboard the U.S.S. Constellation and at the Naval Training Center, Recruit Training Center San Diego. During his 6-1/2 Year Enlistment Paul earned numerous accommodations including Scholarships, The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and a Presidential Accommodation from then, President Ronald Reagan. In 1986 Paul left the U.S. Navy at the Rank of E5.
Following his Enlistment, Paul’s passion for food has lead him from coast to coast, so it was only a matter of time till he found himself in New Orleans where a love for food also means having a deep reverence for its history, an obligation to preserve it, and passion for supporting those who have made it, a part of their life’s work. That is exactly what Paul does through his involvement with a number of Non-Profit Organizations such as the New Orleans Culinary & Cultural Preservation Society, and the Gulf Islands Review. Paul also shares his passion for food and drink as a contributing writer for Nightclub & Bar Magazine, Food & Beverage Magazine, and other Industry Journals.
When not sampling the incomparable food of South Louisiana, Paul serves as a Senior Executive for Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, a fast growing Fast-Casual Restaurant Group in Dallas, TX with over 180 Restaurants in 18 States. Prior to this, Paul had served in leadership positions in operations, development, and marketing for Piccadilly Restaurants, Wood Dining Services, Morrison’s Hospitality Group, and Service America Corporation.
Paul’s educational experience includes National University, York College of Pennsylvania, University of Maryland University College, and a MBA Certificate from A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University.
Paul’s motivation to participate in the Jonas Project is as a result of the numerous individuals he met during his tenure in the U.S. Navy who helped him develop into the individual he is today. Paul met is personal mentor, CMDR John G. Neeb, Jr. while stationed in San Diego. Twenty-Six years later, John and Paul make it a point to still enjoy a meal or two, together, each year, since leaving the U.S. Navy.
Through the Jonas Project, Paul hopes to be able to return the favor that CMDR Neeb and so many others did for him, along the way.
Paul lives in Dallas, Texas.