Meet The Young Chefs Academy Team

Fun Business Opportunities

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Corporate Team Made Up Of Industry Professionals Who Are Longtime Collaborators In Fun Business Opportunities


Young Chefs Academy franchise owners love the family aspect of the business. They get that from the corporate team, a group of experts with more than 130 years of combined experience in franchising whose driving passion every day is to help each franchise owner succeed in fun business opportunities. Ready to meet them?

Picture of Julie Burleson, Founder and Chief of Young Chefs Academy fun business opportunities.

Julie Burleson
Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Julie owned and operated two culinary businesses before launching the Young Chefs Academy model and setting out to build a franchise network dedicated to teaching children the joy and value of cooking. Julie is the recipient of a Best Feasibility Plan award from Baylor University’s John F. Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship and is a member of the International Franchise Association.

Picture of Shelly Young, vice president of Young Chefs Academy fun business opportunities.

Shelly Young
Vice President of Marketing

Shelly has more than 20 years of experience in a variety of franchise industry roles, with an emphasis on integrated marketing solutions, national marketing initiatives, graphic development, and design.

Picture of Jamie Skinner, vice president of franchise operations.

Jamie Skinner
Vice President of Franchise Operations

Jamie brings two decades of experience as she works hand-in-hand with franchise owners, supporting them in the successful implementation of operational policies and procedures so they can achieve maximum profitability.

Picture of Rachel Solano, curricula coordinator at Young Chefs Academy business opportunities.

Rachel Solano
Curriculum Coordinator

Rachel began her professional career as a lead supervisor and corporate trainer. Over the past 10 years, Rachel has combined a passion for cooking with her background as a chef instructor and manager. Her love for cooking began at an early age as she learned how to make healthy homemade recipes with her mom. Rachel understands the value of knowing how to cook and believes that it is vital for kids to have opportunities to gain culinary skills in a happy and supportive environment.

Picture of Charles Burleson, director of technology at Young Chefs Academy - fun business opportunities.

Charles Burleson
Director of Technology

Charles has worked in corporate IT management for more than 20 years. He has led technology-integration projects in a wide range of areas, including corporate networks, midrange-desktop applications, and web-based business systems. His certifications include CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+.

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