Discussion Forums
for the
Personal Chef Industry

from the "other guys"?

I received your information and some from NM the same day. I know you're biased, but the programs look similar. What's the difference?

Thanks,
Ruth in West Texas

Call 800-644-8389 or 619-294-2436 and ask to speak to Candy Wallace, then you will know the difference.

Repeat what Pete says, above.

We would prefer that you be an accomplished home cook that has cooked at least occasionally for others. WE DO NOT CHARGE YOU $3000 TO TEACH YOU TO COOK. We do, however, spend a lot of time and encourage you to attend one of our two day seminars to learn how to run and market a business. It makes no difference how good a cook you are, if you can't sell your business you can't operate one.

Jim

Ruth,
When I was getting started, I checked out both organizations too. Actually all 3, as there is one based in TX near Houston I believe.

The differences I found were substantial. While on the surface they seem quite similar, digging deeper reveals very different philosphies regarding business practices. The most obvious of these to me, was how open the APPCA was to talking with me, BEFORE I even signed up. I explained my background and my goals in a lengthy discussion with Candy Wallace, and recieved tons of advice and encouragement with NO Pressure to join. Other Chefs on this fourma answered questions and gave encouragement as well.

The APPCA is dedicated to helping its members thrive and succeed; but additionally we are dedicated to the growth of the whole industry.

Also, we help our members find what works best for them....there is no ONE BEST WAY to run a PC business....we give you the tools to design your business the best way for YOU!

I've been in business for 3 years now. I've started off slowly, on purpose, and am now ramping up my business to meet the changing needs of my family. But I still do it MY way! And I'm treated the same by the director, Candy Wallace, as other members who earn 5 times as much as I do.

I know I made the right choice for ME when I joined APPCA. If you want to talk, feel free to email me (I don't post my phone number on the open forum) and we can get in touch.

Best wishes,
Jessica O'Neill-Tarvin
VP Mid Atlantic Chapter
http://www.localflavorpcs.com
oneilltarvin@yahoo.com

I looked at all 3 as well, but chose APPCA for several reasons. I thought it was the best fit for me. This is b/c I liked how they support others, and liked how they not only said they were the leader in the industry, but was actually showing what they had done, & what they envisioned & aspired to do in the future.

Soley belonging to APPCA, 7 years later, I have yet to be disappointed. APPCA signed a partnership about 5 years ago with ACF, and many more great things.... like just to name a few:

APPCA established the personal chef code of ethics

APPCA builds more local chapters to increase member support

APPCA created a student-member category with discounted membership fee

APPCA provides continuing-education scholarships for professional culinarians

APPCA is giving members an opportunity of a lifetime by setting up a culinary-training tour to Parma, Italy this year, for its members to continue their education. (boy am I looking forward to this)

APPCA branched out to include private chefs while mentoring them in that realm of the industry

And a text book written by our CEO & founder, Chef Candy Wallace for professional personal chefs, and aiding its members to culinary knowledge/training to continue to succeed

To me, it is not enough to just join an association....I want to know that the association I belong to, makes a difference to this great industry. APPCA in my honest & humble opinion, provides exceptional continuous service to its members, by helping them establish through its training programs, mentoring their members to being successful, aiding in continuing education for its members, and in short, greatly contributing to the personal chef industry as a whole. No, I couldn't have asked for a better association!