In this episode, Alex discusses maintaining excellent leadership skills even throughout fear. He points out that one of the most selfless things he had to do was build a foundation for himself through the pandemic. He accredits engaging on social media, consistently assists with keeping his staff afloat within his businesses.

Alex never professes to be an expert. However, he believes that every business owner should incorporate pivoting, envisioning themselves as the target audience, and going into survival mode. An additional takeaway for entrepreneurs is maintaining good leadership skills and relationships are the fundamentals of having a successful business.

Born in Jackson to a half-Lebanese family, cooking has always been a considerable part of Alex's life. His younger years were spent cooking on open fires at Boy Scout campouts. While studying business at Mississippi State University, he spent his college years working at The Veranda Restaurant. After graduation, he followed his passion for cooking, completing a degree at Johnson and Wales School of Culinary Arts in Charlotte, North Carolina. Eaton helped open Domenica, a John Besh's Italian restaurant in New Orleans, where he learned the art of wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. Eaton then added Cajun food to his repertoire by working at Mr. B's Bistro under Chef Michelle McRaney. Alex was Voted 2015 Best New Chef by Jackson Free Press, the 2016 titleholder of King of American Seafood, and James Beard-nominated in 2019. He brings with him a love for artisan foods, a passion for locally-sourced products, and a burning desire to make his friends and family proud. He resides in Jackson with his wife Jamie and three children."

You can follow one or all of his businesses on Instagram: @smokeshow.specialty.foods @aplosjxn @themanshipjxn @back.bay.brands