History

Joe Breidenstein (1937-2009)
Chefs Challenge began in 2007 with Joe's dream. He relentllessly promoted the State of Michi-
gan throughout his life. He took his love of the state, it’s diverse agriculture and combined it with
a dream—to create a signature event for Challenge Mountain, one that would evolve to a point
that funding would never be a problem again. He quickly brought in all the right players to make
it happen. Chefs Challenge is one of Joe's most successful legacies. . Joe truly loved the kids,
young and old, that benefit from Challenge Mountain.

Prof./Chef Chris Kibit, CCE, CHE
Chris Kibit has been on board since day one with Joe. His dedication and expertise are invalu-
able to our event. Working in a variety of settings, from quick-service restaurants to the Chef for Michigan State University Presidents, Chris has spent more than 30 years promoting all things Michigan concerning food. Recently, Chef Kibit is co-Editor and contributor to a Great Lakes
Whitefish cookbook produced by the Michigan Sea Grant Program: "Wild Caught and Close to
Home - Selecting and Preparing Great Lakes Whitefish". Certified as a culinary educator and a hospitality educator, he has been teaching and mentoring students at various educational levels
since 1990. He currently is a Professor in the Hospitality Management Program at Northern
Michigan University and an active member in the American Culinary Federation in Michigan.