Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jeff Stoneking, Founder of ChefJeffGStoneking & Stoneking Limited, located in Aurora, CO, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a passionate group of culinarians and service-focused individuals that use our talents, skills, passion, and years of high-end restaurant industry experience to help our customers enjoy the best dining experiences possible in the comfort and convenience of their own homes.

Tell us about yourself

In the wake pandemic shutdown, I started getting reached out to my previous regulars from my restaurant days to help with very special and one-of-a-kind celebrations. Things like 80th birthdays & 50th wedding anniversaries. Things that would not necessarily be able to get celebrated at a later date. So, I really found a drive to deliver the best quality food and service to my customers in the safety of their own homes within their own circles.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Getting to work with my wife on our own business. The day she left her full-time job to work with me was a big step! Sure it was scary, but we have so much confidence in each other and our ability to complement each other as a team. She excels in all the areas that I do not and vice versa.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The uncertainty. Being confident in your abilities helps a lot, but you never know what the world is gonna throw at you. Staying agile is a lot easier said than done, but there is really no choice for a small business these days. So, thinking through all the possible scenarios and coming up with plans for those can be a necessary burden.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Keep agile, meet your customers where they are, and lean into what works.
  2. Be genuine; no one expects your idea of perfection all the time. They just want great human experiences.
  3. Surround yourself with great people. Regardless of what you think you need, if you have quality people helping you, the actual needs will more effectively get taken care of.
  4. Bonus- Be a Good Person and Share the Best You.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Great food can come in many different forms; it is really the easy part. What really makes the difference is who you get to enjoy it with and being present in those moments. Great food in a shitty situation is just-food. But, great food in a great setting with the people you love is invaluable.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://chefjeffgstoneking.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChefJeffGStoneking/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjeffgstoneking/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-g-stoneking-48790b73/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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