Gail Patak — Plant-Forward Chef, Trainer, Sustainable Concept Development, Culinary Education, Event & Fundraising Coordinator
Gail began as a corporate restaurant trainer, learning staff development and operations. She graduated from Culinard in Pastry and Culinary Arts, gaining strong cooking skills. She later moved into event planning, creating memorable dining events. With over 25 years in hospitality, Gail has opened restaurants, designed kitchens, made menus, and built teams. She knows concept creation, permits, training, and running profitable businesses. A passionate plant-based food supporter, Gail mixes cooking skills with bold, eco-friendly ideas that care for the planet. She co-founded Garden Truck Foods, guiding nearly ten years of eco-conscious, top-rated plant-based dining focusing on sustainability—from local sourcing to waste cutting. Her recent success, The Kitchen at Farm Sanctuary, is known for its mission and commitment to conservation and responsible eating. Based in Jacksonville, FL, Gail works to bring food ideas to life with tasty, sustainable meals that encourage healthier, greener communities. When not working, she enjoys time with her husband Ron and their rescue pets, living her values every day.
Rachel Oakley — Administrative Coordinator, Public Relations, Staff Writer, Sustainable Food Development
Rachel is a seasoned administrative professional with over two decades of diverse experience spanning the education, media, startup, and nonprofit sectors. She holds a distinguished double bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and English from the University of Adelaide, Australia. Most recently, Rachel served as Chief of Staff at Farm Sanctuary, where she expertly led administrative operations, directed board relations, and played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable food systems initiatives. Her extensive work has involved managing complex external communications and fostering seamless internal coordination across multiple teams. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is deeply committed to community service, volunteering with Make the Road New York to support vital advocacy efforts for immigrant and working-class communities. We are genuinely excited and proud to have Rachel’s wealth of experience and sharp expertise as an integral part of our team. Based in New York City, Rachel cherishes her time spent with her family and beloved pups.
Randy Caparoso — Wine Guru and Beverage Program Expert, Team Trainer, Food Photographer, Staff Writer
Randy Caparoso is a full-time wine journalist based in Lodi, California, and author of Lodi!, a guide to America's largest wine region. In 2024, he was honored as an Old Vine Hero for Communications and named a WineBusiness Monthly Industry Leader. Randy works as a freelance photographer, Editor-at-Large, and columnist for The SOMM Journal. From 2010 to 2025, he managed blogs and social media for Lodi Winegrape Commission. Earlier, he wrote a biweekly wine column for The Honolulu Advertiser (1981–2002). He’s a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. From 1988 to 2001, Randy co-founded Roy’s restaurants, serving as VP and Corporate Wine Director, opening 28 locations nationwide. He earned awards as Santé’s first Wine & Spirits Professional of the Year (1988) and Wine Marketer of the Year (1992, 19988) Randy brings to the team a wealth of knowledge and passion, which he will happily pass on to the teams he coaches. Randy is base in Lodi, California when he’s not working with clients, he enjoys soaking in the beauty of the wine country. You can view his amazing photos at www.randycaparosophotography.com
Ron Patak — Culinary Strategist, Restaurant Financial Specialist, Hospitality Consultant
With a deep passion for hospitality and relentless innovation, Ron has successfully launched numerous thriving restaurant concepts, meticulously crafted beloved and memorable menus, and built high-performing, dedicated teams. Spanning from casual neighborhood cafes to bustling high-volume franchises, his primary focus remains on seamless operations, driving significant sales growth, and creating unforgettable guest experiences that keep customers coming back. A standout moment in his career was partnering with renowned Chef Roy Yamaguchi to strategically expand the Roy’s franchise, expertly blending cutting-edge culinary creativity with sharp business acumen. Beyond that, he played a pivotal role in shaping the culinary curriculum at Culinard, overseeing kitchen design, spearheading faculty recruitment, and pioneering system development to elevate education standards. Ron also significantly enhanced operational efficiencies and refined recipes for the multi-unit group RREMC, LLC. As co-founder of Garden Truck Foods, he passionately champions innovative, plant-based comfort food in Jacksonville, where he lives happily with his wife, Gail, embracing the sun, sea, and vibrant local lifestyle.