It is a mystery how we can vacillate between dog tired and straight wired as we prep for, sign up, work, market, and negotiate jobs. Somewhere there is a reserve of energy that drives us – perhaps it is just the simple drive of self-determination that fuels the ship – to keep going even when our aged bones require rest. First let me dispel the myth that owning your own business is easy. I have never worked so hard on any job as I have now; mind you I was successful in my chosen profession of persuasive listening and Chef is still recruited regularly by headhunters searching for her corporate skills and illustrious experience. But if what we have seen this week is any indication, this catering thing will be our pathway to success.

First there was the Entrepreneurs’ Expo. We were surrounded and supported by likeminded individuals dedicated to success. I appreciate the investment made by MEP Enterprises, VCS Inc., Lifeskills 411 and all the corporate and private sponsors that made it possible for us to gather the information to be successful. The case studies and examples helped us to tighten our game (operations) and be wary of pitfalls (intellectual property, trademarks, and copyrights). That was two days that we needed to step away from the kitchen to look at the forest.

The next big thing we had was the catering showcase at California University (as always the name has been changed). This was the biggest success story we have had to date. So what had happened was, one of our regulars (an employee of California University), told her boss – the MAN – about us and convinced him to take a gander dat our website which impressed him and in turn allowed us to join the showcase. We (Chef, Monk –who may also be referred to as our Organizational Engineer--, and I) arrived to a room with 10 caterers. The average years of experience for all the other caterers, was 20 years. And it showed in their presentation the decorations were nice. Chef was a bit intimidated by the show when she first entered the room. But our decorations and food held the day for us. We brought our Tilapia Sliders, Caprese Salad Skewers, Sweet Potato Crumble Bites, and Red Velvet Pancakes (in to go boxes).  We had many an admin direct traffic to us telling others that they needed to try our Sliders or the skewers or the bites. Others loved our branding. Many came by and told us that we were the best thing that they had there. One person even came by and told us she wanted to vote for us! SCOREBOARD! It was hard work but it was flat out fun. By the next morning we already had two jobs from that showcase. When is the next one and how do we sign up?

We have been burning candles on both ends and in the middle at the same time. Why are we burning candles anyway? Can’t we get a flashlight. We are growing by leaps and bounds. On our way to earning that first million – now don’t get me wrong, we will never be the 1%, we just want to have a vacation.  We are driven to be successful though. We have lots of gigs pending. We have lots of people we have done right in the past year. We have some new marketing ideas we are ready to unleash. And did I mention we have our Organizational Engineer, Sue (Sous Chef AKA number 2), the Savant (Chef), Marketina, Tweeta, Floral Designer, Tape (if you know Sue ask her who Tape is…she will break down Tape’s superhuman ability), Benjamin Button, N.A.P., the Government Twins, Telecom Maven, Logistics Prime, and a few more invested folks all committed to the success of this situation. I just pray that when the train comes in I will be conscious, or if not that at least these puffy bags will have retreated to just above my cheekbones.

Life is short… get your rest, then eat something memorable.

The team is at it again in the waffle cave. So we have begun a mass production program where once a week we provide pre-packaged meals to some of our most favorite customers – the Box of Pinx program. Last week we had the Short Rib Loaf with Mashed Potatoes (ever since Vice President Dan Quayle’s big
goof I have been deathly afraid of spelling this word, but thanks be to the Almighty for spell check) and Waffle Bread Pudding. This week we are assembling the Black Spaghetti with Tiger Prawns and Red Velvet Pancakes. Now when I say we, I am speaking of Chef, Monk, Sue (the artist formerly known as Number 2, but because of her undeniable skills in assisting Chef she has risen to the rank of Sous Chef…hence the new moniker), and Marketina (Chef’s admin assistant/marketing idea/super scheduler/energizer bunny). Once more I am the ONLY DUDE on the ranch. Surely we can find somebody that wants to play nice in the sandbox. Seriously! When you look at the Food Channel or Food Network there are mostly men in the kitchen. Where are they now? But I digress…the prawns look lovely. 

I want to let it go, but when we spend 20 minutes on the discussion of the packaging of the spaghetti and savory crack rolls (if you are an FBI agent reading this, understand that the name crack roll was given to the
rolls because they are addicting in nature. There are no illegal or illicit materials used in the making/creation of any of the items that emerge from the waffle cave). The conversation about the rolls and the bags, and the wax paper, and the boxes, and the food were quite spirited. No fights, just…spirited. I had to sit down and start scripting. 

Benjamin Button was supporting us but apparently the entrepreneur bug has bitten him and his compatriots as they left us in the cave to go have a “business meeting” where they discuss their own plan. I have to admit I am glad that he has caught the bug. It is life changing. So if all goes well, the lad and his associates will be available to keep our fleet of catering vehicles and Food Trucks on the road. If there is one thing that is burned into my mind and conscience it is to support “family”. When I say support, I won’t be asking for
a “family discount”. 

We all have to do our part to help this economy or ourselves. This platform is a chicken roulade in every pot and cream cheese glaze on every red velvet pancake. Both the DNC and the RNC should be listening to this. This food will bring an end to bipartisanism and inspire cooperation and collaboration from both sides of the aisle. When the delegates come together, and the speeches are over, and the arguments over medicare and everything else come to an end…can’t we all just have a bite to eat?

Life is short…eat something memorable.