Welcome to another episode of Buck Stops Here! Today I have the pleasure to once again have a great conversation with Gerry Geda of Bangin' Meats.

In this engaging interview, Greg Buckley chats with entrepreneur and chef Gerry Geda about his journey in the food industry, community involvement, and innovative culinary ideas. Discover how Gerry's experiences and community-focused initiatives are shaping local businesses and food culture.

keywords

food industry, community support, culinary entrepreneurship, local businesses, Bang & Meats, food innovation, small business growth

key topics

Gerry Geda's culinary journey from childhood to chef

Community support initiatives and local business growth

Innovative food concepts and product development

sound bites

"Blend of hope spice mix"

"Future of the podcast"

"Thanks for listening!"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility

00:27 Greg and Jerry Discuss the First Podcast

00:54 Music and Community Events

01:18 Growing Bang & Meats and Community Engagement

02:12 Potnitz Lakeside HOA Event Highlights

02:39 Signature Dishes and Customer Favorites

03:04 Using Bang & Meats in Local Events

03:31 Supporting Local Communities and Small Businesses

04:07 Expanding Community Support and Local Business Partnerships

05:04 Offering Free Community Lunches

05:33 Partnering with HOA and Local Businesses

05:57 Supporting Local Business Growth and Community Involvement

06:51 Expanding into Kent County

07:13 Portability and Event Setup

07:37 Food Industry Experience and Background

08:04 Jerry Gadd's Culinary Roots and Inspiration

08:33 Overcoming Health Challenges and Personal Resilience

09:01 Journey from Busboy to Executive Chef

09:31 The Joy of Food and Community Connection

09:59 Food as a Universal Bridge

11:13 The Importance of Quality and Love in Food

12:02 Versatility in Food Offerings and Community Events

12:55 Innovative Food Ideas and Fusion Concepts

13:52 Engaging Small Businesses and Community Support

14:40 Marketing and Outreach Strategies

15:34 Expanding into Kent County and Mobile Setup

16:00 Personal Stories and Culinary Inspiration

16:26 Food Industry Lessons and Experiences

17:21 Family Roots and Cultural Heritage

18:07 Overcoming Health Challenges and Personal Triumphs

19:00 The Power of Spices and Natural Remedies

19:30 From Childhood to Culinary Success

20:22 The Journey of Culinary Growth and Development

21:12 Giving Back to the Community

22:03 Creating a Spice Blend of Hope

23:00 The Symbolism of Food and Gifts of Hope

23:56 Future Plans and Community Engagement Goals

24:53 Participating in Local Events and Supporting Small Businesses

25:39 Favorite Dishes and Culinary Preferences

26:35 Memories of Culinary Mentors and Influences

27:32 Streamlining Kitchen Operations and Teamwork

28:22 Celebrity Chefs and Culinary Inspirations

29:16 Experiences with Food Network and Media

30:04 The Reality of Restaurant Business

30:55 The Joy of Culinary Success and Teamwork

32:15 The Art of Food Presentation and Precision

33:04 Supporting Kitchen Staff and Team Dynamics

33:59 The Role of the Expeditor and Kitchen Leadership

34:51 The Challenges of Restaurant Management

35:43 Targeting Restaurant Professionals for Team Building

36:32 The Impact of Experience on Food Quality

37:20 The Passion for Food and Customer Satisfaction

38:10 Upcoming Show and Community Initiatives

38:33 Future of the Podcast and Local Media

38:56 Closing Remarks and Appreciation

Welcome to another episode of Buck Stops Here! Today I get to talk to Alex Seymore, Digital DIrector of Special Olympics of Delaware to discuss their mission and all of the events and programs that they host over the year, including their number one fundraiser, The Polar Plunge. Personally, I learned so much and I'm even more impressed than ever. Incdredible.

In this episode, Greg Buckley interviews Alex Seymour from Special Olympics Delaware to explore the organization's extensive programs, upcoming events, and the impact of the Polar Bear Plunge. Discover how Special Olympics fosters inclusion, community, and confidence through sports and fundraising efforts.

Keywords

Special Olympics, Polar Bear Plunge, community, inclusion, sports, fundraising, Delaware, athletes, events, volunteer

Key Topics

Special Olympics programs and sports offerings

Upcoming events including Polar Bear Plunge and Spring Sports

Fundraising strategies and community involvement

"Special Olympics is about community and inclusion"

"Athletes participate in multiple sports and seasons"

"The water is cold, but the experience is priceless"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Special Olympics Delaware

05:24 Expanding Opportunities for Athletes

11:22 The Polar Bear Plunge Event

15:37 Funding and Support for Special Olympics

20:12 Community Involvement and Future Events

Resources

Special Olympics Delaware - https://www.sode.org/

Polar Bear Plunge Delaware - https://plungede.org/

Jersey Mikes Month of Giving - https://www.jerseymikes.com/

Over the Edge Fundraiser - https://www.sode.org/over-the-edge/

USA Games 2024 Minneapolis - https://www.specialolympics.org/events/usa-games

World Winter Games 2023 Italy - https://www.specialolympics.org/events/world-winter-games-2023

Guest Link

Website - https://www.sode.org/about-us/staff/alex-seymour/

Welcome to Buck Stops Here. My name is Greg Buckley owner of Buckley's Auto Care and I get to sit down and chat with other community small business owners, organizations and individuals that make an impact here in the State Of Delaware.

Introduction: In today’s world, many entrepreneurs have found a way to turn challenges into opportunities, and Ryan Stevenson is a perfect example of this. In a recent podcast episode, Ryan shares his journey from a cybersecurity job to building a thriving business and making a significant impact in his community through the Stevenson Foundation.

1. **The Birth of Shore Smoke Seasonings**

Ryan Stevenson’s entrepreneurial journey began in an unexpected way. While working in cybersecurity, the onset of COVID-19 left him with unexpected downtime. Instead of succumbing to the challenges, Ryan’s wife, Nicole, encouraged him to explore selling his homemade seasonings. This suggestion turned into a birthday gift of a business license, setting the stage for Shoresmoke Seasonings. Ryan recalls, "We decided, hey, let's just kind of do it locally and sell some seasonings at some local fairs." This initial step was critical to his business's growth.

2. **Community Support and Growth**

The community played a pivotal role in the success of Shoresmoke. Ryan emphasizes, "The community around us is really what would help drive the business and make it successful." They began by distributing samples, using creative methods like filling jello shot containers. This grassroots approach led to organic growth through word of mouth, showcasing the importance of community support in small business ventures.

3. **Innovative Seasoning Creation**

Ryan’s journey into the world of seasoning was fueled by creativity and experimentation. He started by mixing ingredients he had at home, leading to the creation of his first product, Game Day Seasoning. "The first seasoning we ever had is when it was our game day seasoning. It’s our number one seller," Ryan shares. His approach to developing new flavors is inspired by the dishes he wants to create, making culinary exploration an integral part of his process.

4. **The Role of Influencers and Ambassadors**

As Shore Smoke Seasonings gained traction, Ryan and Nicole leveraged social media and influencers to expand their reach. Ryan notes, "We handed out a bunch of samples to the community... and that was the biggest thing that happens organically locally is just word of mouth." Their strategic partnerships with influencers helped propel Shoresmoke into the limelight, leading to collaborations with major brands and personalities in the food industry.

5. **Lessons Learned Along the Way**

Ryan reflects on the lessons learned during his entrepreneurial journey: the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community. "When you're a small business, you got to kind of figure out what works and what doesn't real quick," he advises aspiring entrepreneurs. His experience serves as a reminder that success often comes from perseverance and a willingness to learn from challenges.

Conclusion:

Ryan Stevenson’s story is a testament to the power of community, creativity, and resilience. From starting a small seasoning business during a global pandemic to making a significant community impact through the Stevenson Foundation, Ryan exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit. Key takeaways from his journey include the importance of community support, the value of experimentation, and the ability to pivot in the face of challenges. For those looking to follow in his footsteps, remember that the journey may be tough, but with determination and the right support, success is within reach.

Tags: #Entrepreneurship, #Small Business, #Community Impact, #Seasonings, #Culinary #Innovation, #Influencer #Marketing, #COVID-19 #Business Stories.