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Personal Chef Industry

So excited about what's to come and what to do next. I keep thinking I hope i didn't throw a bumch of money away. I've been looking into this for a while now and finally took the plunge. Talking to Candy a few months ago helped in the decision making. Any words of wisdom? I'm a bit nervous.

You are by no means making a mistake. I just joined a month ago and am about to go 'live' in the next two weeks.

If it hadn't been for 'taking the plunge', I wouldn't even know where to start in a venture like this. Using the materials was a huge asset in helping me get it off the ground so quickly. They make it so easy to understand and explain all the proper steps in getting your business started and doing it legally.

So, no, you did not waste your money. Just make sure you use the material and do what other's have done before you. Don't try and re-invent the wheel, so to speak. People have been successful in this Association for the past 10-11 years now. It is a plan that works.

Candy and others on staff are full of knowledge and are willing to share that knowledge with others. Take advantage of them and other chefs on the forums.

Good luck and happy cooking!

Chef Glenn Ryan

Thanks Glenn. I appreciate the warm comments. Good Luck to you as well.

Welcome aboard...and be prepared for the ride of your life. You are going to love it here...promise. If you can, do yourself a favor & attend a seminar...it will really help jumpstart your business. If you presently can't...you can always attend later.

Please do us a favor, if you don't mind. Click on your name, & then go to view members profile, fill out your profile at that point. It will only help us later to help you better, b/c sometimes areas do make a difference on how we answer something (especially about regulations, pricing, etc).

For sure you did not waste money -- you will earn back every penny of your dues, training material & seminar fees. I know my business would not be where it is today if it were not for the APPCA seminar & the forums. I currently have 2 weekly clients - by my choice - I only do this part time so I've had to turn away prospective clients) And, by the way, 90% of the calls I get are from the APPCA link to my web site! A good web site has been the KEY to my success - that's my word of widsom - get a good site (APPCA can design one for you as well).

It's also wonderful for networking - just last week another local PC needed help & so I helped her out - earned extra money & learned something as well (can't beat that). So...don't worry, you made the best decision!

Marcia

Oh my heavens, if you think you are excited now, you just wait.

In our case, we really did our homework for approx. 1yr trying to decided what to do.

Everyone on the vistor forums suggested calling Candy. From the moment Candy answered the phone we KNEW the decision was made and we joined the APPCA.

We joined at the end of April and was not able financially to attend a seminar until November.

In our opinion, it was the best thing we ever did. (we really wanted to attend sooner, but funds did not allow it) Starting our business and then attending the seminar was in our favor. We had already put a client on a waiting list until we were up and running, not to mention feeling comfortable with the whole process.

We started cooking on a mock cook date with family and friends. Studied for ServSafe, making our business plan so on and so forth. By the time we actually attended the GREAT Chicago seminar we had two steady clients, and for us ALOT of questions!!

Oh, sorry I didn't answer your question, if you put forth the effort, it will be the best money that you have ever spent! In our case, we feel blessed that we didn't have to mortgage the house to start our business.

The wealth of information that the members provide is priceless. The time and energy that Dennis and Candy give of their lives just to enrich ours is overwhelming.

You COULD not belong to a better organization..

Good luck and we hope to see you on the inside!!

Ronetta

Thanks everyone. You've all been so kind and supportive. I'll try to make it to a seminar as soon as i can. I'll go to my members profile as well to fill out the information needed. I'm so tired right now from working at my other job . Gotta get some rest. Talk to you all soon!

Chef Crane

Welcome to our family Chef Crane-

I recall many of your hesitancies all those years ago. Particularly as the Industry was really in its infancy. Speaking to Candy was my motivating final factor.

Dedication, focus and strength has always meant a great deal to me and she and the former APCA showed me and convinced me they had all of these attributes with the foundation of building and growing far stronger and being the only True leader and founder of our field. Despite other claims to same. I assure you on my long culinary history and credentials.

Case in point, our evolvement to the APPCA, certainly not simply the addition of another "P" to our name! lol

No question you've made the smartest move you possibly could have. No doubt, ok?

You will certainly see the remarkable ROI( Return on Investment) with a little dedication and work on your and our families part.

Contact me at anytime should you wish to speak or correspond regarding any of your questions or concerns. I've been involved here and associated with APPCA about as long as anyone you can find. Happy to help out always.

Congratulations, on your decision making and again. We all welcome you with our open arms.

Grab a glass if wine and start reading through the Members Forums in depth and become both colleagues and friends with all of us here at the APPCA.

Don't hesitate to start posting. We all had our first one too.

Enjoy your Memorial Day and God Bless America!

All the best to you Chef Crane. - John