With over 15 years of carpentry experience and a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors, I’ve always been driven by a hands-on, intentional lifestyle.

My dedication to health and fitness naturally led our family to embrace real food, clean living, and life in the country—where we could reconnect with the land and build something meaningful from the ground up.

I discovered my passion for baking in my early 20s, which led me to pursue formal training as a pastry chef.

I ran a whimsical cupcake business for three years before deciding to take a step back and dream bigger.

Inspired by my love for fresh, quality ingredients, I joined forces with Julian to combine our shared passion for cooking and local produce. Together, we built a lifestyle rooted in good food, community, and sustainability—and we love sharing that with others. I especially enjoy baking desserts for our guests and managing the administrative and marketing side of our business.

We are thrilled to welcome Chef Michael Thomas to the Wild Life Ranch family! With over 25 years of experience in the culinary arts, Chef Michael brings an extraordinary level of talent, creativity, and passion to our team.

His impressive journey spans some of the top kitchens in the United States, including renowned establishments such as The French Laundry, Per Se, and Red. Most recently, Chef Michael worked in Los Angeles, collaborating with celebrated chefs like Govind Armstrong and Brendan Collins of Burch. He also served as a co-owner of Angelina’s Wood Fire Kitchen in Northern California, where he helped lead its culinary vision.

Chef Michael’s culinary expertise extends to South American cuisine, having served as chef-partner at Pata Salada in Los Angeles. His diverse background allows him to masterfully blend tradition with innovation.

Now, Chef Michael is ready for his next exciting chapter—pivoting toward global cuisine, exploring regional flavors, and working with Mother Nature’s finest seasonal and local ingredients. His vision aligns perfectly with our values at Wild Life Ranch: sustainable practices, culinary excellence, and celebrating the natural bounty of our land.