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!
MATT FINLEY
Executive Chef at CulinAero
at The Georgia International Convention Center
POP: Chef, we appreciate you taking some time to share with us today! To start, what advice would you share with others at the beginning of their career?
MATT: Embrace the grind of this career, it is not easy. If you take notes and work your ass off, you can rise to the top. Also when your co-workers are going out for drinks 5 nights a week you should go out for only two of them.
POP: What values have shaped your life?
MATT: Early in my life – not many values.
My professional life – hard work and dedication, there are no true “off” days. Always push yourself to be better today than you were yesterday.
POP: What was your favorite meal as a kid growing up?
MATT: General Tsao’s Chicken.
POP: Who has influenced you the most (in life and/or your career)?
MATT: My Dad, always calm focused and extremely dedicated to providing for his family.
POP: What is your favorite song lyric or inspirational quote?
MATT: “Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up.” – Rocky
POP: What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you?
MATT: I got caught trying to counterfeit money on a piece of copy paper when I was 11 after watching the Italian Job. It did NOT go well.
by Kelly Treadway in Team 
