Ed grew up in the picturesque foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, where his love of pizza began at an early age – it was a Friday night staple during the family’s “can’t eat meat” dinners and quickly became his favorite meal. His passion for cooking started with PBS cooking shows, where chefs like Julia, Graham, Yan, and Justin sparked his curiosity. Eager to learn more, he enrolled in classes at local culinary schools, steadily developing his skills and discovering a passion for Italian cuisine—especially pizza. Countless hours of practice at home, with friends happily serving as taste testers, helped him refine his craft. Through his culinary journey, one of his instructors and friends, Dame Chef Amy Riolo, introduced him to Pizza University & Culinary Arts Center. From his very first experience there, he knew he had found a place that shared his passion for exceptional pizza. In the spring of 2026, Ed joined Pizza University as a part-time team member, transitioning to a full-time role just a few months later. Since then, Pizza University has provided the perfect environment for him to continue growing as a pizza maker and sharing his enthusiasm with others.