Brandon's health issues prevented him from having any sort of normal childhood. He was unable to attend much of his earlier school days and develop friendships with his peers. As a result of immune system complications, he missed out on much of his earlier years of schooling, and couldn't play with other kids. He battled crippling depression, and struggled to find purpose and joy in life. As he explains it, he never truly happy until he started cooking. It gave him freedom to do what he wanted to do, as he explains, "I could let my mind roam freely." After graduating from Sprouts Chef -training program, Brandon was hired at Evergreen Lodge in Yosemite. He loves his work there, and learns something new every day.