Have your cake and eat it too

August 17, 2020 | College News

Burt Parker retired from a career in law enforcement with the University of Florida Police Department after 26.5 years of service. He thought long and hard about what he wanted to do in the next chapter of his life. As he considered his options, his wife, an elementary school principal in Pinellas County Schools, recommended that he return to his life-long passion, baking.

Burt had never given serious consideration to his passion for baking during his law enforcement career. He and his wife were busy raising four children, now adults. They worked hard and made the sacrifices parents do for their children as well as putting them through college, one attended Florida A& M University, two attended the University of Central Florida and one Harvard University. Now, with all his children graduated and pursuing careers of their own, the time had come for him to focus on himself.

Taking his wife’s advice, he sought out Pinellas Technical College’s Baking and Pastry Arts program. He entered in August 2019 and started the journey. In March 2020, his schooling was abruptly halted due to COVID 19 and school closure.

During that time, the class shifted into virtual mode. He continued learning and getting support from his program instructor, Rose Audibert, through virtual instruction. He kept pace with the academics while creating two baked products a week.

His experience in the program educated him to the business aspect of the Baking and Pastry industry through research and practical activities that yielded a business plan, and other aspects of the industry. In July of 2020, Burt fulfilled his dream and mission of completing the program despite the unforeseen interruption.

Burt’s plans could not have been better coordinated. He and his wife completed a total kitchen renovation which gave him a new and spacious facility to launch his business from home. He plans to grow the business and will explore a brick and mortar location once it takes off and the pandemic has passed. 

Burt learned a great deal from the program and offers suggestions for those who may be interested in pursuing a career in the food service and hospitality industry. His advice is:

1. Treat the class like a job.
2. Be open minded.
3. Be willing to work with others.
4. Do the tasks that are undesirable.
5. Be a team player.
6. Respect your team members.

Burt’s decision to enroll at Pinellas Technical College allowed him to pursue a lifelong ambition and placed him on a path to enjoy his new venture in retirement. He plans to work and stay active for many years to come.

The Baking and Pastry Arts program at Pinellas Technical College Clearwater campus is a 600-hour, approximately six-month time commitment. For more information, please visit our website at myptc.edu or call (727) 538-7167.