Chef David W Olson is the founder of Live Fire Republic and Ember Craft, a celebrated culinary collective known for its bold, flame-forward cooking, immersive storytelling, and creation of aspirational tasting experiences across the globe.

Over the past 15 years, Chef Olson has cooked, filmed, designed, and hosted events on every continent with exception of Antarctica – from the remote reaches of Iceland and Tasmania to the wilds of the Galápagos, Patagonia, and Sahara, to the vibrant streets of Bali, Bangkok, and Bordeaux. Across the U.S., his journey has forged a path from his home near Lake Michigan, to Anchorage and Austin, Nashville and New Orleans to New York City, and the culinary heart of Napa Valley.

These global experiences have shaped Olson’s distinctive approach to live-fire fare and affirmed his core belief: that around a warm fire and community table remains one of the last sacred spaces where people from all walks of life and difference can come together, break bread, share stories, and forge meaningful connections. Above all, it’s here, in these moments, where we build our longest lasting memories and relationships. For Chef Olson and his teams, this is what it’s all about.

Under the Live Fire Republic and Ember Craft umbrellas are a fully-integrated collective of ventures: LFR Social develops brand and content strategy while serving as the social media advocacy arm for Live Fire Republic and its partner brands; LFR Events curates highly tailored, open-fire culinary experiences around the world; Ember Craft produces chef-driven, outdoor-inspired provisions, including small-batch, barrel-aged sauces and spirits; and Ember Craft Studios creates cinematic campaigns for top global brands in the outdoor, adventure, and culinary space. Together, these ventures operate as one creative house— creating experiences and telling stories wherever they can be imagined.