In an inspiring career transformation, a 29-year-old former technology professional has found remarkable success by trading his corporate position for a baking apron. Jacob Cooper, who once earned a six-figure salary in the tech industry, now generates substantial income through his innovative pizza bagel business in New York.
From Tech Burnout to Bagel Breakthrough
Cooper's journey represents a dramatic shift from digital screens to kitchen scenes. After serving as chief technology officer and co-founding an AI startup that survived seven years including the pandemic period, he experienced severe burnout by 2023. The following year, he made the bold decision to leave his $120,000 annual technology job without any concrete plan for what would come next.
The turning point emerged when Cooper identified an opportunity in the food industry, particularly focusing on bagels which were gaining significant internet popularity. His entrepreneurial spirit, honed during his tech career, recognized the potential in this trending food category.
The Financial Strategy Behind the Career Switch
Cooper's transition was made possible through careful financial planning. He sold part of his startup equity for $250,000, using approximately half of the after-tax amount to cover living expenses while investing the remainder into his new culinary venture.
"That is what allowed me to take a few months off, start this business, buy the equipment, buy the minivan, test things out, [and] lose money on it," Cooper explained in his CNBC interview. This financial cushion provided the runway necessary to experiment and develop his business concept without immediate pressure.
Rapid Growth and Future Prospects
Cooper launched Pizzabagel.nyc in January 2025 and has already demonstrated impressive growth. The business began modestly with $3,000 in revenue during its first month, but rapidly scaled to $10,000 monthly by July, and reached $20,000 per month by September.
To date, his bagel enterprise has generated $92,000 in total revenue. Cooper maintains a frugal approach, reinvesting profits back into the company rather than drawing a salary. He recently put $5,000 of surplus earnings back into business development and has personally invested $50,000 into the venture.
The brand now offers six distinctive varieties including cheese, pepperoni, spicy vodka, buffalo dip, ricotta, and French onion bagels. Customers at the Queens Night Market can purchase two bagels for $5, making them an accessible gourmet option.
Pizzabagel.nyc operates through multiple channels including pop-up events, catering services, and farmers' markets. Cooper's day begins at 4 AM, with baking operations starting by 5 AM when he prepares hundreds of bite-sized pizza bagels for daily sales.
Despite his current success, Cooper maintains a practical perspective about his career pivot. "At the end of the day, I know that if this business doesn't work out, I can go get another tech job or I can do something else," he noted. "I'm probably not going to end up on my parents' couch. Probably."
With sufficient savings to support himself for three years and valuable experience in both technology and food entrepreneurship, Cooper's story serves as an inspiring example for professionals considering unconventional career paths.
