Living in a Shark Tank

If you asked me 2 years ago, "How do you see yourself in 5 years?" My answer would have gone something like this:

I'll most likely be working in a management position for a company and hopefully work my way up to director, VP or maybe even CEO! Hopefully within those 5 years I'll have completed or in the works to complete my MBA. 

Boy was I naive.

Since the 2 years have passed, I got fired from my "secure job" and my brother and I created a company that has the potential to become a lot bigger than what we first expected. In our innocent minds, we just imagined not having to work for "The Man" and make our own money the way we want to. We did it, we are living the American Dream. We created something out of nothing and are thriving.

So what's next?

This past year, and mind you, we've only gone through 7 months of it as I type, we have been approached by 3 and a half offers/potential investors. I say half, because that offer was through word of mouth and that party never really took the time to come out and meet with us. As my brother and I sit through these "talk sessions" (I call them "talk sessions" because they never really want to admit it's a meeting about how they can involve themselves with us) I can't help but notice 3 common points in their pitches:

1)     I love your food and I want to take you to the next level. You have no money? Don't worry about   it, we'll figure it out. 

Of course you love our food, that shit is good! I know the money will come from you, you're just trying to diversify your portfolio. How much stake do you really want from us?

2)     I have all the resources you need to get to the next level, just look at my accomplishments! I believe with my knowledge, experience and network we can become the next Chipotle.

Oooookkkkkaaayyyy??? But do I even like YOU as a person?? This is a life long commitment here, can I work with you FOREVER?!?!?! Have you even worked in a restaurant??

3)     
*** My personal Favorite *** – This is a ONCE IN A LIFTIME OPPORTUNITY!!! We don't offer this kind of deal with just anyone and we get a lot of people coming up to us all the time. We have never offered anything like this to anyone because we don't work with just anyone!

Of course you've never offered this kind of deal, because our shit is one of a kind!!! And how are you offering a "once in a lifetime" when that other guy said he was "once in a lifetime?" Maybe ya'll should talk to each other, game plan and come back to us.

Don't get me wrong, it's SUPER flattering. I laughed at my dad when he raised the spatula and said: "I'm going to give you a million dollar sauce for free!" Now look at us, people actually want a piece of it. I can't believe this is actually happening. All I hope for is that the Big Guy upstairs leads us in the right direction for success.

What I've learned through all this, do what your gut tells you is right and PRAY. You will hear opposing critics inside and outside your circle, but YOU and God are the only ones who knows what the next best thing is for yourself. Live your dreams and live passionately. Everyone can have their opinion, but the only opinion that matters is yours.

If you ask me now what I'll be doing in 5 years, I confidently tell you I'll be living my dreams.