Self-sufficiency and discipline are hallmarks of Johnson's persona, ingrained early in his life by his hard-working and devoted parents. Growing up a "latchkey kid" while his parents worked, Johnson learned to cook and take care of himself, while navigating the streets of Manhattan on his own. His parents' hard work paid off, and they moved their family to Wyandach, a suburb on Long Island, known equally for its less-than-stellar public schools and the exceptional artists and athletes it turned out. At times tempted to rebel, Johnson was set straight both by his parents, and his elders in the neighborhood, who took it upon themselves to keep an eye on the neighborhood kids.

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After graduating high school, Johnson embarked on a college career at the University of Connecticut. He soon began to see his college classmates graduating and returning home to their parents. For Johnson, this was an unacceptable and unfathomable future, and during his second year of college, he altered course. It was a pivotal decision for the young man, and one that would shape the rest of his adult life. Relocating to New Jersey, Johnson began working in the custom furniture business, a trade he'd learned in his teen years from an uncle. Over the next few years, Johnson honed his craft and at 27, began his own custom furniture business, living in New Jersey and working in Manhattan. It was during this time that he began to cultivate a passion for cooking. He began to consider a future in the catering industry.