RICHARD NAVA
Staff Writer
Most students stress about going to class, getting homework done and keeping their daily planners organized. But what if you had a company to manage on top of everything else? Well, Pepperdine senior Adam Taki does.
While other Peppediners are trying to stay on top of their academic schedules, Taki is preparing to act as the company spokesperson for the business he co-founded with his father.
In spite of his business experience, Taki said he continues to enjoy his life as a young guy in Malibu. His favorite hobbies include surfing and hanging out with his girlfriend.
Throughout his career, Adam has striven to give back to the community by supporting charitable causes in the greater Los Angeles area. His most recent endeavor brought together his passion for surfing and his love for Malibu. Adam was able to arrange for his company, Amazing Taste Foods, to sponsor a beach festival where 500 children were taught to surf and were fed hamburgers and chicken cooked with Amazing Taste seasonings.
Adam will graduate this spring with and plans to stay with the company.
When did your father become involved with food testing and seasoning?
In 1965, my father graduated from the University of Florida with a Ph.D. in food science. He went on to create Adolph’s meat tenderizing marinades which become a household item. With the sale of Adolph’s in 1975 my father, as an entrepreneur, wasted no time in starting a new company called Microwave Foods, with its product line of Micro Shakes.
He did so because of his first company’s success and to keep up with the changing time
When and how did you know that you wanted to follow in his footsteps?
As a child I observed my father’s strong work ethic, and happiness in what he was doing and accomplishing, and I could not wait for the day I would be able to join him.
So when did you actually become a part of his company?
In 1997, we created Amazing Taste Foods. I was only in sixth grade, and it was my first opportunity to be involved with the launch of this new line. Since then, I have traveled all over the United States selling and promoting Amazing Taste food seasonings. I am currently the co-founder and company spokesperson.
Now other than your recent beach festival, what other kinds of charity events have you been involved in?
We most recently contributed to the L.A.P.D Foundation, but we work with organizations all over Los Angeles. After graduation I am looking forward to contributing to local and national non-profit organizations.
What are your plans after Pepperdine?
I want to work on all aspects of our company with my ultimate goal in making Amazing Taste a household item.
I will continue to be our company’s spokesperson and will also stay on as co-founder.
What does your girlfriend think about your business?
My girlfriend is also a very motivated and accomplished person, so she is thrilled about my goals with Amazing Taste.
What does the future hold for “Amazing Taste,” and how do you plan and making the company grow?
Amazing Taste is a timely product for today’s consumers. It can be used as a dry seasoning or an instant marinade. The product guarantees juicy, tender and flavorful meat, poultry and seafood any way you cook it.
Amazing Taste is currently sold in most supermarkets throughout the United States and we are working with major meat and poultry manufacturers in cross merchandising Amazing Taste with their products.
01-26-2006
