Daniel Lam was born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1990. Daniel recounted his upbringing, particularly the cultural and ethnic challenges he faced growing up as a Cambodian American, as well as stories he learned from his family as refugees from the Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot Cambodian killings. Around 2005, Daniel and his family moved to Palm Coast, Florida, as his parents lost their jobs when Chinese and Mexican corporations acquired and relocated the Texas Instruments factory where they worked. In 2017, Daniel enlisted in the Air Force, serving as a C-17 mechanic. 2022, Daniel met his wife, Brittney, following her career in Boston. In Boston, Daniel expanded his culinary experience by tasting foods from various Asian cultures. 2024, Daniel returned to Florida with his wife to remain closer to family. During this time, Daniel and his wife launched their food vending business, Mae Tao & Son’s, as a way to expand Daniel’s culinary passion. Daniel shared his broader observations about Central Florida, noting that the centrality of food will continue to play a role in maintaining the region’s cultural diversity.