Alex O. Reethof — known by many as the “ChefTainer” — has dedicated his life to the hospitality industry and to helping others find their place within it. With a career that spans back to 1974, Alex has worked in and around the hotel and restaurant industry for decades, building both expertise and a reputation for leadership.

As the Executive Director and Founder of Gathering Industries, Alex brings his experience, creativity, and compassion together to create a program that transforms lives. His belief that food can be both nourishing and life-changing inspired the development of a nonprofit that uses the kitchen as a classroom for second chances.

Having seen firsthand the struggles of homelessness in Atlanta, Alex founded Gathering Industries with a simple but profound goal: to give men the opportunity to rebuild their lives through culinary training and employment.

Under his leadership, the program has grown into a unique blend of workforce development, mentorship, and social enterprise. Alex’s vision ensures that every boxed lunch delivered in Atlanta does more than feed people — it fuels futures.

Alex believes in a hand up, not a handout. His philosophy is rooted in compassion, forgiveness, and practical opportunity. He knows that mistakes don’t define a person’s future and that with the right support, individuals can regain dignity, purpose, and stability.

His leadership at Gathering Industries reflects this: equal parts chef, mentor, and advocate, guiding trainees not just toward jobs, but toward lives filled with hope and self-sufficiency.