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Personal Chef Industry

Hi All,

Below is a copy of a note I posted in the "Members Only" forum. I wanted to share it with visitors to the APPCA forums because it really hits home as to why I love this association. If you are wondering if you should join our group, if you can afford to, if it will benefit your business...plese read on.

Dear Fellow APPCA chefs,

I just wanted to extend a huge thank you to all of you out there on the forums - especailly you regulars! I've been a member since the summer of 2005 and took the seminar with Jim that fall. I have 2 small children and I'm taking my time setting up my business - taking on jobs as I can fit them into my boys' schedules. Anyway, I've been such a "lurker", reading posts and learning from all of your experiences.

Yesterday I had my first "real" cook date for a couple and their two children. They sounded great over the phone - they live fairly close to me, they have no allergies, no food phobias and they were super nice. As I'm driving to their house I'm wondering "what's wrong with them?" They seemed too good to be true!

Anyway....to sum up my day - it went great! It was honestly flawless (I've done this for friends in the past and that has truly NOT been the case!) Oh, and I'm sure many of you will smile at this... the only time I started getting flubbed up was when the clients came in to chat!!! Fortunatly that wasn't often and only for very brief moments. Overall, the clients ARE awesome - very laid back & friendly. Got my check and a tip??! I told them I would call back in a couple of days to see how it was going.

Ok, so the point of my post is to say thanks to each and everyone of you for sharing your ideas, lessons learned and your business sense. Thank you also to everyone in San Diego - you are always so helpful when I have a question or concern. Another thanks to Jim for teaching a wonderful seminar - I swear little tid bits that he shared were popping into my head all day! I know I wouldn't be where I am right now without APPCA. The wealth of information you gain from the membership is INVALUABLE - you can't get it working on your own - it's just not possible. The money I spent on the seminar and my dues are worth every penny. Looking forward to earning enough $$ to go the a summit one day and meet all of you!


Marcia

Marcia Puc
Sweet Pea Cuisine, LLC
http://www.sweetpeacuisine.biz
marcia@sweetpeacuisine.biz

Hope this helps with the previous post!

I still think APPCA is the best! Full of unconditional support, amazing feedback & ideas from top-notch chefs and this organization is really out there in front taking the lead in this industry. Day in and day out Candy Wallace works her heart out to promote the industry and its chefs.

Thanks Marcia...it is rewarding when we do a job that is recognized by others as having been done well and to the best of our abilities. With you, the recognition of your clients is all the reward you ever need (except, of course, for the money).

For me it is knowing that my efforts to help new chefs get their business off on the right foot is reward enough.

And I know of nobody that works harder or more diligently for the members than Candy. Her every waking moment is devoted to this organization and this group of chefs. In our hundreds of conversation over the past ten years it's really easy to realize her dedication to this group and her drive to make sure that every member has the support that they need to allow them to become a success.

Thanks for your wonderful post...I know that others will appreciate it as well.

Jim

Thank you, Marcia and nice work!

You've just reiterated what so many of us in this organization feel and strive for. Usually within a very short time of becoming full members and getting to work. I am about to embark on my ninth year! Wow, it is just as gratifying to me as were the accolades and challenges of being a Professional Chef, prior to opening my own very succesful and rewarding business. Both Candy and Jim are now both, dear and lifelong friends. "Family" really.
I've heard no new member speak ill whatsoever of any experience or aspect of the organization or its rapid and trend setting evolution as well as the standard bearer for an entire Industry!

Nice to hear someone else, new, singing the praises so many of us all have done for so many years. Thank you.

Now for those of you researching and "thinking about it. Save yourself a great deal of time. Take the plunge, you've heard and seen what we all have achieved together. Call 800-644-8389 and begin your own new and succesful career in business, very shortly. There is so much help and support among the extensive APPCA family and friends for you to benefit from.

Best wishes to you all.

Don't be too wary at all. My own personal promise to you. I was there once myself.

Honestly - John ( 9 year APPCA member and still kickin'!!)

There is really one true test, how many long term members are there, quite a few, that in itself is a testement to Candy!!!

Hey Terry-

You are so right. Though, I don't know an exact number.

But I have built so many long term relationships in this organization, I couldn't possibly keep track.

There are plenty of long timers in the APPCA though. I can attest to that!

There are so many chefs constantly joining it is almost like we are caught in the fray of it all, new and old. Working together as family.

But,never forgotten and each of us interact on a DAILY basis as well with one another.

VIA Phone, e-mail and in our wonderful, dedicated forums. Only one of the great benefits of Membership. Just look at these public forums, which in themselves are outstanding.

Don't you all agree?

Great point too, Terry! - John