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Personal Chef Industry

I have called the corp office twice and I haven't heard from anyone yet where's that personal touch u guys have been talking about? Anyway I know its been asked a 100x's but what is so differnt about this versus them. My husband is already an Exec. Chef and I've been small time catering 4 yrs, now want to do it serously and make money. We have 8 kids and can't afford to play around with money.I want to know do you guys offer more detailed training like entertainment dinners or dinner parties as a bus. like u know who. Also I read a post that says nobody guarantees their stuff the other guys do. Sorry so long but looking to make solid decision before the next live training.

Hi, Chef Robeson,

Welcome to the APPCA boards! I'm from a family of seven children and recall vividly how busy my parents were with all of us! Eight children is definitely a full house!!

As a busy parent, I'm sure you can appreciate how busy the head of the most prestigious personal chef association in the world must be. Chef Candy Wallace has forged alliances with the ACF and was the IACP's Entrepreneur of the Year not too long ago.

The personal touch we all talk about is the one that we've all experienced. Not long ago, I was in a nasty car accident that could have taken my life. Not more than 10 minutes after Chef Candy learned of it--my phone was ringing--it was Chef Candy on the other end to find out how I was doing.

I can't tell you about any other organizations because I don't have any experience with them. I can tell you, however, that I would NEVER consider another organization besides APPCA. The goal of the APPCA is to advance the industry, not compete. APPCA's goal is for ALL personal chefs to succeed. The education and support you will receive here is superior and without bias. When I started my business, I was in no way an executive chef or experienced caterer--I was a scared soon-to-be-40-something with a dream. This organization held my hand and led my way to being a successful business person. The live seminar is some of the best money you'll ever spend if you're serious about this business.

What else can we do to help?

P. S. APPCA is headed to Italy this November. Would love for you to join us!!

Thanks for your message would like to hear from more people please! I know we can't afford going to Italy it would have been nice though, maybe next year my husband can go to the summit. We will be a husband/wife team but I think he'll benefit from going to most of the live stuff.

Just something to think about:

When I was looking into the APPCA, I thought I was reaching a large corporation - as that is the "feeling" you get when you visit the site and call the headquarters.

But the headquarters (as to my knowledge) are simply run by Candy, Rusty, Mamoon and perhaps a few helpers. So don't be offended if you haven't heard back yet from a phonecall to the headquarters.

I have been trying to reach Candy too, but Candy is so busy - at book signings and traveling promoting APPCA's new chef book, among other things. She is only one woman and can only do so much. So please don't take it personally, and don't use this limited scope to view the whole organization!!! That would just be unfair to all involved!

The personal aspect of this organization we are talking about comes from other chefs, supporting each other and being there to answer a question, concern, to bounce a business idea off of someone, or even just to vent!

My phone too, has rung when I became ill, only to find Chef Carol B on the line with some kind words of encouragement and some sympathy!!

I am the type of person who needs to really talk things through before I move forward, and this organization has given me the support I needed to go from making $600 a month to $2400 a month!
I had my first client before even making it through the materials....because it was very motivating to me to finally have the tools in my hands to turn my dream into reality.

So if you want to talk about money - thats the reality, APPCA provides you with the tools to make a decent living.

The training materials are what they are. I'm not a saleswoman, and I don't want to be. I wouldn't be interested in talking you "into" joining the APPCA. Could you do it on your own - probably. But with the materials you will avoid making costly mistakes, and you will reach your earning potential much more quickly than if you tried to do it on your own.

And the forums - well - I can't even begin to put a price on that. All I can say is that my membership and participation in the forums is of such great value to me even 1 1/2 years into my business, that I would not consider letting it lapse.

OK got that phone call from Candy today so I've made my decision. I guess I will see you guys around at the next conference.

Thrilled that you decided to join us!!!!

This is a truly unique organization--we have been members for nearly 8 years and would not go anywhere else.

Having known Candy this long and knowing what she does, it is easy to imagine that she is 6 different people operating on a 36 hour-a-day schedule--you will never meet someone who is both so dynamic and so genuine.

We look forward to seeing you in the inside forums and hearing how your business develops.

Best of luck!!

Christine & Dennis

Chef Robeson-

Congratulations on this importantdecision. You will, I expect also be posting here of the "Personal Touch"!

It is not simply the Corporate Office that provides this to all. It is our Family of Veteran Members and newbies as well. We pride ourselves in mentoring the new chefs. We all participate in helping you to succed as smoothly as possible

We are not in competition with each other even if we are within miles of one another. We help each other out. Led by Candy and the corporate team. This is no way a fly by night group or family. You will soon understand perfectly and be one of the team, ok?

Wishing you all the best and success in this new and exciting endeavor. - John

PS. Italy will be a reality before you know it!

Good for you and congrats..I will tell you that I agree with all the above. Joe and I joined 1yr. ago and I have to tell you it was the BEST decision we have ever made. We really did our homework and looked at all the other organizations and after speaking with Dennis first and Candy second, there was no other decision but to join the APPCA.

I have to tell you from the bottom of our hearts, it was the best decision we have made to this date. The APPCA is more than just business, it does seem like an extended family. The opinions and information you will receive is unlike any other. I agree with John, we are not in competition, we are about helping one another succeed!! Not only that, we truly care about members we have not met!!

I look forward to hearing from you on the inside..

If you should have questions you can always call..

Have a great time building your business..

Ronetta

Congratulations on your decision to join APPCA. As you start getting involved with reading the discussion forums you will quickly come to realize the amount of support you receive from the members of this organization. I joined APPCA a year ago and it was the best and most important decision I made concerning starting my PC business. Welcome aboard!

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Also I read a post that says nobody guarantees their stuff the other guys do.

Honestly, I cannot see how that could be possible...no one can guarantee anyone success at ANYTHING they do...it will always depend on that person, & what efforts they put forth. Maybe I am just being too practical or a tad cynical?

Anyway, congrats on making a decision to embark on a new career. If your husband can attend a live seminar (even if it's a year down the road), I would strongly suggest it. It will really help jumpstart his business.

You will also find that many of us make ourselves most available to all members by giving out or email & phone numbers. You will see that once you go to the members only forums, so don't let it take you by surprise. Also, you & your husband...might want to make a big old pot of coffee & start reading the forums. Best one to go to first is marketing & promotion...then pricing, then tips, then sources, then container, members forum, etc. Of course, with 8 kids...might not have the chance to sit hours on end ! See you guys on the "inside" soon, & welcome aboard.