Ace Haidrey

The Ace of All Trades.

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Embarking on an Empowering Journey Through Knowledge Sharing and Teaching.

My journey in the realm of knowledge sharing and teaching has been a profound one, deeply rooted in my passion for data engineering and scalable software solutions. It all began during my undergraduate years when I took on the role of an Undergraduate Student Instructor (UGSI) for data structures and Java. Spending over 40 hours a week instructing and guiding students through the fundamentals, I discovered a deep-seated love for teaching and the unique challenges it entails.Teaching, to me, is about patience, iteration, and a commitment to understanding and adapting to each student's unique learning style. It's about breaking down complex problems into manageable concepts, empowering students to grasp even the most intricate subjects.Throughout my professional journey, I've extended my passion for teaching to the realm of technical writing. With over 20 blog posts to my name, I've crafted comprehensive guides, delved into intricate system details, and explored various software-related topics. My deep dive into Apache Airflow, where I meticulously dissected its intricacies, stands as a testament to my commitment to demystifying complex tools and solutions.But my journey doesn't stop at teaching and writing. I'm a firm believer in hands-on learning and continuous exploration. With over 25 open-source contributions to diverse projects, I'm constantly honing my skills, pushing the boundaries of what's possible, and sharing my findings with the wider community.I'm an avid reader, an ardent listener of podcasts, and a perpetual experimenter with new tools and technologies. I'm driven by curiosity and fueled by a relentless desire to uncover the next breakthrough in the field.If you share this passion for data engineering, scalable solutions, or simply enjoy discussing the latest developments in the world of technology, I invite you to connect with me. Feel free to schedule a conversation through my Calendly link at the bottom of my page; let's explore and learn together, because in the ever-evolving world of data engineering, there's always something new and exciting to discover.

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Pizza and Persistence: The Journey to Ownership.

Ours is a tale of resilience, determination, and the unbreakable bonds of family. When our parents arrived in a new land as refugees fleeing the ravages of war in Afghanistan, they carried with them nothing but their dreams and an unwavering work ethic. In a foreign country, they embraced every opportunity, taking on the most challenging and humble jobs imaginable – valet, dishwashing, cooking, cleaning, and more. Their tireless efforts were fueled by a singular purpose: to provide a better life for their family.Throughout these years of hard work, my father's passion for food, especially pizza, remained unwavering. He worked in restaurants, saving every hard-earned dollar for the day he could call a pizzeria his own. That day came when he seized an opportunity to buy into a business, Ameci Pizza and Pasta, alongside his friends. It marked the beginning of our family's journey into the world of pizza-making.With each passing day, we immersed ourselves in the intricacies of the restaurant business. Learning the ropes, understanding the art of crafting a perfect pie, and honing our culinary skills became our shared mission as a family unit of six – my parents, siblings, and myself. The culmination of our efforts led to the creation of Aroma Pizza, a venture we built from the ground up. We transformed an empty space into a thriving pizzeria, working together on everything from setting up walls, pipes, and sprinkler systems to installing appliances and electrical systems.Our journey was not without its challenges. Just as we celebrated the opening of Aroma Pizza in November 2019, the world was thrust into the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. Running a restaurant, we quickly learned, was an all-encompassing endeavor. We had to navigate every facet of the business – from customer interactions to employee management, from playing the roles of plumber and electrician to handling vendor relationships and IT troubleshooting. We became accountants, HR professionals, therapists for our employees and customers alike, and experts in health inspections.Yet, despite the incredible demands and the never-ending list of responsibilities, we cherish every moment. Our physical branches, Ameci Pizza and Aroma Pizza, are not just places where we serve food; they are the embodiment of our collective dreams and unwavering commitment. Moreover, we've expanded our reach with over six virtual kitchens, including Trattoria Contadina and The Wing Shop.We invite you to be a part of our journey. When you order from us, write us glowing reviews, or engage with our social media content, you become a part of our extended family. We pour our hearts into every dish we create because we understand that we are in the business of people. We strive to make each day better for our customers, to bring smiles to faces, and to leave a lasting mark of warmth and hospitality. Our purpose is clear: to brighten your day, one delicious slice at a time.

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Culinary Roots to Event Excellence: Our Transformative Journey.

Our venture into events and catering is a story deeply intertwined with our Afghan heritage, where the practice of 'Mehmon Nawazi,' which translates to the hospitable reception and entertainment of guests, carries profound meaning. In our culture, we place immense emphasis on welcoming others with open arms and treating them to a warm and unforgettable experience, often without expecting anything in return. We understand that life is a precious gift, and our gatherings reflect our gratitude and reverence for it.Every weekend, our extended family, a close-knit group of over 40 immediate members, comes together to celebrate the beauty of life and the joy of togetherness. It's a tradition we hold dear, and for each event, we leave no stone unturned to ensure that every detail, from decorations to the smallest nuances, is nothing short of picture-perfect. Our appetizers, main courses, fruits desserts, tea and beverages are carefully curated to delight the senses, and the air is filled with the rhythmic beats of music and the infectious energy of dancing.We pride ourselves on being a joyful, hospitable bunch, and this spirit radiates onto our guests, leaving them with unforgettable memories. We understand the profound importance of these moments; they're not just gatherings but opportunities to create lasting memories that span generations.Having established our restaurants, we ventured into exploring a world of diverse cuisines through virtual kitchens. Today, we have honed our craft in Mexican, Italian, American, Japanese, Asian fusion, Indian, Afghan, Persian, and more. Whether it's a simple menu or an extravagant feast, we have the expertise to deliver an exceptional culinary experience.What sets us apart, however, extends beyond the food. It's our unwavering commitment to service, our prompt responses, and our willingness to go above and beyond that truly distinguish us. We believe in helping with every aspect of an event, even those we aren't officially contracted for, because we understand that these moments are priceless. It's why people trust us with their most significant life events – weddings, anniversaries, funerals, birthdays, graduations, and more. To us, you're not just a client; you're an extension of our family, and we treat you as such. Our catering and events company is more than a partnership; it's a promise to make your special moments truly extraordinary.

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Crafting Memories, One Ornament at a Time: Our retail journey.

For over 17 years and counting, our seasonal venture in personalized Christmas ornaments has been about far more than just business – it's about the joy of creating enduring traditions and being a part of cherished memories.The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in our family, with roots in the bustling heart of downtown Los Angeles. It's a spirit that led us to run kiosks in malls around Orange County, offering a unique blend of body jewelry and sterling silver. Yet, fate had something special in store for us when a Christmas ornament company approached us with an opportunity. It was a pivot that transformed our journey into one filled with the magic of the holiday season.Each year, our family dedicates countless hours meticulously preparing for the holiday rush. Our garage transforms into a workshop, where we unpack shipments of ornaments, sort through them with care, and hang up thousands on kiosks. The labor is a labor of love, for it's a labor that brings smiles to faces and warmth to hearts.Our storefronts in multiple Orange County locations serve as a hub of tradition and nostalgia. We eagerly await the return of familiar faces, customers who have become friends over the years. We celebrate with them as they share stories of growing families, new additions, graduations, and milestones. We are witness to the passing of time, as children become teenagers, and young adults venture off to college.While our online presence allows us to connect with a broader audience, it's the face-to-face interactions that hold a special place in our hearts. The hugs, the laughter, and the shared excitement of selecting the perfect personalized ornament bring us closer to our customers in ways that transcend commerce.These ornaments, with their personal touch, mean the world to our customers. They are more than just gifts; they are timeless memories etched in glass. It's these moments that reaffirm why the holiday season is truly the most wonderful time of the year – a time to create, share, and treasure memories that last a lifetime.

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From Income to Wealth: My Financial Odyssey.

My professional journey has taken me down two distinct paths. In one lane, I've embraced the world of large tech corporations as an employee, where I've grappled with the intricacies of W-2 employments, encompassing RSUs, salaries, bonuses, 401(k)s, HSAs, and more. It's a terrain where tax codes and financial complexities demand an astute eye for optimization. In another lane, I've ventured into entrepreneurship as a small business owner. Within this realm, we've harnessed the power of S corporations, delving deep into their potential. It's a challenging yet rewarding endeavor that seamlessly blends my passion for finance with the thrill of strategic business management.Previously, I subscribed to the notion that working harder equated to earning more. Now, I understand that true financial growth involves allowing wealth to generate more wealth. As the son of an immigrant, I've come to appreciate the delicate balance between risk-taking and security. We start with nothing to lose, and as we accumulate, we become acutely aware of the potential to regress. This awareness has propelled me to broaden my horizons, connecting the dots between imports, exports, regional trade dynamics, and their ripple effects on consumers and financial prosperity. My innate Type A personality finds exhilaration in making the most optimal decisions.My desire for knowledge drives me to seek wisdom from those with vast experience. I'm eager to explore new business ventures that align with the financial well-being of my family and me, whether it's expanding existing enterprises or building entirely new ones. Finance, in all its facets, captivates me – from learning the art of investing in commodities, securities, and physical assets to understanding the intricacies of luxury investments. The world of finance is my playground, and I approach it with unwavering enthusiasm.I have a lot to learn in this arena and any guidance or resources would be welcomed to discuss further and improve on the decisions I have yet to make.

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Embracing Life's Melody: My Journey.

My life motto draws inspiration from the timeless lyrics of The Beatles: 'Try to realize it's all within yourself; no one else can make you change. And to see you're really only very small, and life flows on within you and without you.' These words serve as a constant reminder that even in the face of life's challenges, I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to experience them. I firmly believe that I hold the power to make positive changes within myself and my surroundings, and I strive to live life to the fullest.In my culture, being the eldest son carries immense responsibility. It means taking care of my entire family, a role that has required significant sacrifices on my part to become the person I am today. I place great importance on maintaining our unity and ensuring the well-being of each family member. While I approach life with a light-hearted perspective, I also deeply cherish moments spent with loved ones, whether it's traveling together or simply engaging in heartfelt conversations. Connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds is a source of immense joy for me.My adventurous spirit has led me to explore over 30 countries and embark on the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca three times as part of my Muslim faith. I find solace and connection through curating music playlists to share with others and have embraced diverse experiences, even taking on roles like a barista or bar back, simply to learn and grow. Learning, for me, knows no bounds, and I approach it with humility, valuing the unique contributions of each individual.What truly drives me is a steadfast commitment to living life to the fullest, without excuses or complaints, but with an open heart and a readiness to face challenges head-on. Lastly, I'm thrilled to share that in June 2023, I embarked on a new chapter as a husband. Prior to this, I had always been a family-oriented person, but now, more than ever, I relish the opportunity to be a loving husband, a devoted son-in-law, and a dedicated son, grandson, and sibling to my family. Life is a precious gift, and every person in it holds immeasurable value.