I wanted to let all of you know what an awesome time we had this past weekend in Boston at the seminar. Jim Davis as always it was wonderful to see you again. You once again helped me to learn more tricks of the trade to make things easier and understandable. Dinner was awesome at Legal Seafood and the conversation was wonderful.
It had been 4 years (when I first joined) since I had been with other APPCA Chefs. I have been on the phone with other members and on the discussion forum regularly since I joined however, what a blessing it was for my husband and I to have met Javier, and Dennis and Christine.
When I made the decision to come to Boston I was at a place of discouragement and frustration that my business was not further along then it was. I knew I had to do something to refuel, and gain some fresh ideas to continue pursuing this dream of owning my own chef business. Without sounding hokey, I was feeling starved for the lack of connection that you would get when you work closely with others in your field on a daily basis. I was determined I would go to Boston and bring every nugget home with me and I expected to gain from the experience of being together. I also vowed that I would not whine.
Not only did I learn new things from Jim and was reminding of somethings that I had forgotten, the time for open forum with Javier, and Dennis and Christine was priceless! Dennis and Christine we can not thank you enough for staying and sharing your hearts, and you life's experiences, and your time with Todd and I. Like I said on Sunday you were an answer to prayer. Javier I was so glad to have been able to meet you as well and to learn what persistance can do for my business. Your business testimonial has given me encouragement that I can make this dream continue to work. I realize like anything good it takes time and hard work, but I love what I am doing and that makes it worth it to me.
I just want to let all of you guys know that since I came home on Sunday I have gotten clearence to do catering with the health department in NY out of the kitchen. We should have our web site finished within the next week and found out my husband can receive professional development credit through his employers for it. Dennis what you share and educated Todd with on Sunday would have taken us several months to find out. One thing He kept saying was "Dennis is so knowledgeable and makes everything so easy to understand. You can tell both Dennis and Christine are so humble and love what they do. They are real.". We also are so moved by your compassion and your concern to want to see us succeed at Mimmy's House A Personal Chef Service.
All the way home all Todd and I did was write in our notebooks what all of you shared, so we would not forget anything. We also starting a running list of new things we want to accomplish in the days to come. Our heads were spinning and the ideas and thoughts were swimming and racing through our minds once again.
If I could share one thing with any person who is thinking about joining the APPCA it would be this, "It will be one of the best investment you will ever make!" If you don't you will always wonder what it could have been. This is more then an organization that offers incredible benefits, you will gain an extended family who cares about you. You will make friends who are interested in your success and ones who are willing to help you to achieve your goals. You won't be sorry for trying.
Guys your the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love, Chef Laura Reynolds Mimmy's House A Personal Chef Service Albany, NY
