Today we’d like to introduce you to Gilbert Guerra
Hi Gilbert, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I always knew at some point I was going to open a business of my own in the food and beverage industry but had no knowledge of the kitchen. So, I decided to move to Austin in 2007 to attend culinary school (Texas Culinary Academy- Le Cordon Bleu) to gain knowledge of kitchen operations.
I started working for a couple of hotels as a prep cook when I graduated. Starting a new career, I had to start from the bottom to learn and work my way up the chain. In doing so, we had horrible health insurance and not very much money to keep up with bills. My youngest daughter was 3yrs old and was diagnosed with Junior Rheumatoid Arthritis. in which had us drowning in bills. It was 2009 and my only choice was to join the Texas Army National Guard to take advantage of the health benefits.
Throughout the process I had some problems with my employers due to my training responsibilities with the military. In 2013, after my deployment, I decided to put my career on hold and focus on my family and the military. I made a promise to my family that I wouldn’t pursue my career until my kids were out of high school.
In 2018, a friend of mine was getting married and his caterer backed out 2-3 weeks prior to their wedding date. He asked if I could help knowing my background in the culinary field. So, I created my company, G6 Catering, to help him out. After catering his wedding, I never did anything with my business since I was still working with the military full time.
In 2022, an opportunity presented itself to get back into cooking on my own terms that fit my schedule. At that time, I had 2 kids out of high school, my 3rd kid was a senior, and my youngest was a sophomore. I decided to work the Taco and Margarita Festival in Round Rock to help advertise my brand. After that successful event, my business took off. I tried managing family, military, catering business, and in the process, we were opening a coffee shop as well. Even though we were doing a great job getting our name out there and creating a network of clients, I was struggling with managing it all. I felt I wasn’t doing a good job focusing on really building the brand and taking it to the next level.
December 31, 2023, I decided to resign my full-time position with the military and focus on my two businesses. We were able to quadruple our revenue from 2022 to 2023 and now are projected to double our revenue this year. We’ve been blessed to have worked with and/or partnered with national brands in such a short period of time going live! I can’t thank our loyal customers enough for giving us the opportunity to serve them and their loved ones. We focus on delivering a special experience regardless of budget and occasion. We ensure everyone will leave the event wanting more, but most importantly, leave with a special memory for years to come.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think it’s a smooth road for anyone just starting a business especially during the growth period.
I think one of my biggest struggles are as follows:
Time management. Juggling family, 2 businesses, and the military has been the hardest part of this process. They all demand 100% of your time and effort.
Growth. If you want to grow and be successful, you have to reinvest so much back into your business. If you don’t reinvest time and money back to your business, you will not see the results you need to grow your company. Being patient and knowing that eventually it will all balance out once you have built the foundation.
Employment. How do you keep everyone employed when you’re an event-based business? Trying to find other sources of income that can generate revenue to keep your staff busy and looking forward to a paycheck until the next event.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We’re a full-service catering company serving the smallest get together to the large wedding or corporate event. Our full-service catering events include food, staff, equipment, bartending, and event planning. We focus on the quality and presentation of the food itself and strive for it to be the best food experience you and your guests will ever experience. When choosing G6 Catering, you get a team of people that will always have your best interest at heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.g6catering.com
Image Credits
Frank Garnica
