Gregory James is the newly named executive chef at elements, the signature restaurant at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa in Scottsdale. “elements is inspired by the natural elements of earth, fire, water, and air.” Learn about Gregory James…

Follow at: @sanctuaryaz_; @chefgregoryjames

Hometown: Chippewa Falls, WI

First job: My first job was delivering the newspaper seven days a week at 13 years old. During my first cooking job, I was 15 at Wendy’s.

Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: Escape rooms. I would love to open a kitchen-themed one. I also enjoy going out to eat, traveling, and spending time with my girlfriend and our dogs.

Your biggest accomplishment and why: Receiving the 2022 Chef of the Year award from the Restaurant Association of Maryland and a citation from the State of Maryland for remarkable contributions to Maryland’s tourism industry.

The biggest obstacle you overcame: I don’t see things as obstacles, only opportunities to learn and grow.

Someone who inspires you and why: Jose Andres. His work with the World Central Kitchen goes beyond anything I can grasp. To be able to lead teams across the globe in crisis situations isn’t just admirable, it’s transformative.

Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Put in your time and don’t take shortcuts.

Favorite quote: “The most poisonous source in any kitchen is a chef’s ego.” –Chef Marco Pierre White

Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: Most people associate chefs with creativity and art, but I am also good with Excel spreadsheets and accounting.