The “Celebrating Our People” series is aimed at highlighting the many talented employees that make up Proof of the Pudding’s teams across the southeast. We hope you enjoy learning more about our hospitality and culinary POPstars!

DONTEZ PHERRIBO
General Manager at Trident Provisions at Duke University

POP:  Good morning Dontez! Thanks so much for taking a few minutes to chat with us. For starters, what’s the one piece of advice you would share with others at the beginning of their career?
DONTEZ:  Don’t settle. Continue to work towards your passion. You can’t get those years back!

POP:  What values have shaped your life?
DONTEZ:  Hard work, determination, and dedication.

POP:  What was your favorite meal as a kid growing up?
DONTEZ:  Carolina Cheeseburger from this local hole in the wall restaurant called “Jack Shack” in Hillsborough NC, some un-salted hot fries from McDonalds, a piece of warm pound cake from my mom’s kitchen, and wash it all down with an ice cold Tahitian Treat fruit punch soda.

POP:  Who has influenced you the most (in life and/or your career)?
DONTEZ: My Grandfather, Donald Mickey Pherribo Sr. The hardest working man I’ve ever met! No joke, I can’t remember him not working. If not on the construction job, then around the house. #NODAYSOFF

POP:  What is your favorite song lyric or inspirational quote?
DONTEZ: “If you’re not first, then you’re last.” – Ricky Bobby

POP:  What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
DONTEZ: The two family-owned businesses that I helped out with growing up were in the construction and food services industries. I would always tell father that I wasn’t sure what my career would be, but it definitely wouldn’t be either of the two. Here I am, 18 years into my food service career and I love it!

by Kelly Treadway in Team