Mark Noguchi
School: Punahou School
Career: Chef | Educator | Co-Founder of Chef Hui
Chef Mark Noguchi, affectionately known as "Chef Gooch," has been a culinary force in Hawai‘i for over two decades. His journey has been one of innovation and commitment to local ingredients and sustainable practices. However, in 2016, Chef Gooch faced significant personal and professional challenges when his mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. This adversity led him to close his restaurants and seek therapy, choosing to focus on his well-being and family.
This period of reflection gave rise to the Pili Group, a catering company co-founded with his wife, aimed at bringing together food, education, and community. Chef Gooch transformed his passion for cooking into a community-centric project, proving that sometimes stepping back is essential for moving forward.
Chef Mark Noguchi’s story is a powerful example of perseverance, showing how resilience, a supportive community, and adaptability can help overcome life’s challenges and contribute meaningfully to his community.
+ Advice from Mark Noguchi
Don't quit. You gotta see it through the hard times. Those will be your greatest moments of growth.
