Today we’d like to introduce you to David DeLeon.
Hi David, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all started about a year ago. I had stepped away from the automotive industry multiple times before, going back and forth between working as a chef and a service advisor—doing whatever I could to provide for my family and myself. But this time felt different. Looking back now, I truly believe it was God waking me up and telling me it was time for a real change.
The first step was letting go of alcohol. I had been drinking heavily without even realizing I was using it as a coping mechanism. Around that same time, what people call “midlife crisis” questions started creeping in—deep, heavy thoughts like, “Would my family be better off without me?” or “They could use the insurance money to pay off bills.” Depression and suicidal thoughts became more frequent, and I knew I couldn’t ignore it anymore.
I decided to talk to someone and was prescribed medication to manage those thoughts. But deep down, I felt God telling me not to rely on medication to mask the problem—but to truly understand myself. So I began a different journey: learning my mental, physical, and spiritual state.
At that point, I weighed 300 pounds and didn’t even recognize the man in the mirror. I felt disconnected from myself. So I made a radical decision—I shut myself off from outside noise. I stepped away from social media, TV, music, and even distanced myself from certain relationships. It felt like becoming a monk—creating space for reflection, growth, and truth.
I started journaling daily, watching spiritual teachings, and spending real time in thought and prayer. Then I felt called to find a church and build a new community. My family and I did just that, and we found a home surrounded by people who were also seeking God.
As a chef, I thought I understood food—but I realized I had very little understanding of how what I was consuming was affecting my body, my gut, and even my mind. I began studying nutrition, learning about whole foods, detoxing from processed chemicals, and even getting my blood work done. I discovered my hormones were out of balance, which played a major role in how I was feeling.
At the same time, I became more aware of my thoughts—and questioned where they were coming from. I realized many of them weren’t truly mine, but patterns passed down through generations of pain. That realization changed everything. I chose to forgive—my past, my family, and myself. I started giving myself grace.
I opened up to my wife in ways I never had before. I asked for forgiveness for the pain I had caused. We began marriage counseling, which helped me become more honest, more present, and a better husband. I also sat down with my kids and had real conversations—owning my mistakes and asking for their forgiveness. That moment helped us heal and reconnect as a family.
I realized I had been drinking to avoid fear, doubt, and vulnerability. Today, I am 365 days sober. I now fully understand the impact alcohol had on my mind and body, and I’m intentional about what I consume—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
I’ve lost 100 pounds—going from 300 to 200—and I continue to grow stronger every day, not just physically but mentally and spiritually.
Now, I’m focused on sharing what I’ve learned. As men, we’re often taught to suppress emotion, to “tough it out,” to never show weakness. But I’ve learned that’s a lie. We’re called to lead and provide—but we can’t do that if we’re trapped in our own minds, weighed down by fear and other people’s expectations.
That’s why I rebranded my catering business. It used to be called “Quema Más Cabrón,” centered around live-fire cooking, but if I’m honest, I was chasing approval, validation, and connection through it.
Now, my mission is different.
I’ve created something centered on community—bringing men together in a space where they can show up as they are. Around an open fire, we cook simple, healthy meals together—potluck style—and sit at what I call the “Fire Table.” It’s a place with no judgment, no ego—just real conversation, presence, and connection.
It’s about slowing down, being present, and creating meaningful experiences.
I’ve come to realize that I am enough—not perfect, but present. And that presence is what’s changing my life, my family, and now, hopefully, the lives of others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. There were many struggles along the way. I battled depression and suicidal thoughts, often questioning my purpose and even whether my family would be better off without me. I was drinking heavily, using alcohol as a way to cope with fear, doubt, and the weight of my own thoughts. At my heaviest, I didn’t even recognize myself in the mirror.
Learning to step away from the world—shutting down social media, distancing from friends, and creating space for reflection—was incredibly challenging. Confronting generational patterns of pain and forgiving both myself and others was emotionally heavy work. Opening up to my wife and children, asking for forgiveness, and doing the deep work in marriage counseling was not easy either.
Even with all of this, the journey has been worth it. Every struggle taught me about resilience, self-awareness, and the power of presence. It’s been a road of growth—mentally, physically, and spiritually—and it continues to shape who I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a chef and community builder. I specialize in live-fire cooking, teaching men how to grill fun, healthy meals while creating spaces for connection, presence, and growth. What I’m known for is more than the food—I’m known for creating what I call the “Fire Table,” a place where men can come as they are, share their experiences, let go of ego, and build authentic connections.
I’m most proud of the transformation I’ve undergone personally and how I now pass that knowledge on to others. Over the past year, I’ve rebuilt my life—mentally, physically, spiritually—and I use my experiences to guide others in taking care of themselves and their families, both inside and outside the kitchen.
What sets me apart is my focus on intention, presence, and emotional honesty. Many chefs teach technique and flavor, but I teach presence, mindfulness, and connection alongside cooking. I bring people together not just to eat, but to reflect, grow, and create lasting memories. I help men realize that strength isn’t about hiding vulnerability—it’s about showing up, being accountable, and leading with both heart and action.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t really see luck as the main factor in my life or business—it’s been more about timing, awareness, and intentional choices. What some might call “luck” was really God opening my eyes and giving me the courage to change. For example, leaving the automotive industry, quitting alcohol, and choosing to focus on my health and family might have looked risky or “unlucky” at first, but those decisions created the foundation for everything I’ve built since.
The challenges I faced—depression, generational patterns of pain, and unhealthy habits—felt like bad luck at times. But confronting them head-on taught me resilience, self-awareness, and how to rebuild my life with purpose.
In business, luck only matters if you’re prepared. By focusing on presence, community, and sharing what I’ve learned, I’ve turned what could have been setbacks into opportunities for growth. I’ve realized that what looks like luck often comes from courage, discipline, and being willing to do the work others avoid.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fire_table_co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefdaviddeleon
