Dustin Urbanik is the executive chef of Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva. The AAA Four-Diamond all-seasons resort is set on 1,300 acres in the legendary southeastern Wisconsin community and hosts three restaurants. Learn about Dustin Urbanik…
Hometown: I was born and raised and currently live in Lindenhurst, Ill.
First job: My very first job was as a warehouse associate, but my first culinary position was at David’s Bistro in Antioch, Ill.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WI: I love hitting the lakes or the beach with my family. Anything outdoors, really!
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Professionally, my biggest accomplishment has been being named the executive chef at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. Personally, it’s raising three beautiful kids.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: I never went to culinary school. So, the biggest obstacle I’ve overcome professionally is the lack of formal training. I’ve always had to work extra hard and put in more effort to make up for that.
Someone who inspires you and why: I know this sounds cheesy, but I’ve always taken inspiration from my family, my parents, wife and kids. They are the reason why I wake up every day, go to work and give it my all. I spend much of my time researching new chefs and restaurants and practicing how to reinvent classic dishes.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Work hard and put as much effort into pursuing your career as you can. You will definitely only get in what you put into it.
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I’m a big sports guy. I love all the typical sports but what many are surprised to learn about me is that I love tennis. I eat, sleep and drink tennis. I’m the person up at 2 a.m. in January to watch the Australian open. Also, I won my eighth grade spelling bee.
What makes someone fabulous: What I think makes someone fabulous is when they can keep a positive attitude no matter what challenge they are going through. We all have challenges, but a positive demeanor and outlook will get us through!