Joe began his baking career at the age of 14. He worked part time at a local Italian Pastry shop in Brooklyn named Piccolo’s Pastry, while attending high school. Then at the age of 17, he went to work for Your Baker, a German bakery located in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. A full time position became available, and Joe continued his apprenticeship and sharpened his baking skills. After a year and a half, he worked at other local German and Italian bakeries, and at the age of 23 he began working at the Garden City Hotel as a Pastry cook. There he learned French pastry, as well as how to make other fine quality desserts. He married his wife Judy in May 1989,and in the spring of 1991, Joe incorporated “The Gourmet Bake Shop, Inc.” On October 7 th, 1991 The Gourmet Bake Shop opened its doors to the public, and a lifelong dream had come to fruition for Joe.

Since then, Joe has been active in the baking industry, attending workshops, classes in baking, accounting, and attending annual Bakery conventions. He is currently the President of the Nassau/Suffolk Bakers Association, and a member of the American Culinary Federation. In 1998, Joe became certified through the ACF as a certified executive pastry chef. He has competed in fundraising dinners on Long Island, and has been a supporting member of the New Hyde Park community as well, with other donations to fundraising events. Sales have increased each year that Gourmet Bake Shop has been open. In 2002 Joe and Judy were blessed with a beautiful daughter, whom Joe plays with when he isn’t baking.