Discussion Forums
for the
Personal Chef Industry

Hello everyone,

I think my two favorite holidays are Halloween and Thanksgiving. One because it allows us to revel in our playful side, and the other because it brings into focus the things we sometimes overlook as blessings in our lives.

Posting an annual holiday message is not something I do on a regular basis. I don’t want members to avoid the forums to save themselves from having to read my annual "message", but I want to say a few things to all of you this year.

Thank you all. Thank you for who you are and for what you do.
Your commitment to building and operating your personal chef businesses and the courage it takes to dive into the unknown have made a significant contribution to our being able to create a new career path in the foodservice industry, and it is something for all of you to be proud of.

When I think about the contribution we make to our client's well being and quality of life I am so proud of all of us. Yes, we all love to cook, and food is the way we tell the world we love them, but what we do is so much more. We actually replace Mom and Grandma in many homes. We supply that component of caring that is missing in so many households where the principals are busy working. We supply the attention to what is needed to support the wellbeing of the family members in addition to meal service, and that is why Personal Chefs will be welcomed into more mainstream households each year.

You are the pioneers of this industry and you should congratulate yourselves on having the vision to see the future and the courage to jump in and make it happen.

I am thankful for owning my own business and cooking for a living on my own terms. I am thankful for having the opportunity to work with individuals who are committed to opening and operating businesses of their own and are willing to open their hearts and minds to learn how to do it from the folks who have gone before them. I am thankful for the relationship between many of the visitors to these forums and our membership who treat one another with respect and courtesy and who support one another on a professional level first and a personal level separately.

I learned a lot about myself and all of us on our trip to Parma. We were on the trip first and foremost to cook in Italy and learn how to select and use the products produced there. The fact that all of the people on the tour were delightful and kind in their own right was a bonus. The fact that we spent much of our non-cooking time laughing ourselves senseless was a gift. We are fortunate folks to have found one another in this lifetime through common interest. Many of us have left situations that were unsatisfying in search of a professional life that also feeds our souls.
I personally feel that I have found that satisfying life as a personal chef. I am thankful for not only having found it but for having found an entire family of like minded people who show up in the world happy to make a living as professional personal chefs.

Thank you all for the contributions you make in the lives of your clients, your families, and your colleagues and your communities. You are special people indeed.
You are forever in my heart.
Candy

Thank you, Candy-

I have seen only a few of your occassional Holiday treasures over these many years. Certainly, well worth NOT avoiding these foums, You are inspirational, loving and nurturing.

I don't care what Dennis says!! Lol

I am thankful this year for knowing you so long and prospered and worked along side of you in developing this industry to where it has arrived today. A major player "in the making" of the Americam economy and continuing growth.

I will always be thankful true and appreciative of YOU!

I am also very thankful to have known and worked with those who have gone the distance in developing this industry with us over these many years and some "trying" times. We are seeing it through. I have made so many new friends and met so many wonderful and caring people. How can we not be thankful?

We should all be so lucky in all aspects of life to know so many who share and focus on the same interests and passions together all in one place.

I'm so THANKFUL for the APPCA!

A Happy Thanksgiving and HOLIDAY SEASON.

Love to all. - John

My Friend:

We would not be here without you---we are always so thankful to have found this business and to have the wonderful support network that this organization offers.

Thank you does not cover it and it is really hard to express--we love you guys!!!!

Happy Holidays!!!

Christine & Dennis
AFE

Candy, Dennis..you guys are truly wonderful, and I am constantly amazed at everything you do for us & the industry as a whole. Words just cannot express how proud & thankful I am to be an APPCA member.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you...and...THANK YOU again Candy!!

...for what you do, and what you stand for on our behalf and the industry as a whole.
Truly a blessing for me (and I'm sure I speak for many members here) when I stop to think about what it would be like without APPCA in my corner.

Peace!