Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Wood.
Sam, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Back in the spring of 2024 I was working for a prominent wedding catering company in the Nashville area. I knew I wanted to be more than just a cog in someone else’s machine and while attending an event with a friend I saw a seemingly endless line in front of a food truck and thought it’d be worth looking into. I have enjoyed cooking as a hobby for years with BBQ being my specialty. Having a restaurant seemed like a farfetched dream as a 22 year old who was still in college but maybe a food truck or trailer was a possibility. Though most testimonies I saw were negative there were also stories of success. Unfavorable odds and hard work didn’t bother me so while going into my senior year at Cumberland university i began using Facebook marketplace to find used restaurant equipment and a cargo trailer, I could convert into a mobile kitchen. While most students were attending career fairs and job searching in time outside of work and class, I was studying mobile food unit requirements and making trips across states to buy heavily discounted commercial kitchen equipment. There is no clear cut path to building a food trailer so my experience in construction was heavily tested and i also had to pick up welding during the process. With the trailer complete I am less than a month away from opening with the only thing left to do being a health inspection.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Establishing this business has not been simple. Working a full time job, attending college, building my food trailer, and doing some side work has kept me busy. There are many guidelines and rules associated with mobile food units and regulatory agencies are strict so it’s important to look into all details. Additionally, expenses add up quickly so initial estimated costs for this project shot up exponentially.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business is a food trailer that specializes in BBQ. There are plenty of people who are good cooks but to produce in a consistent manor is what truly matters. I believe in picking a few things and doing them very well rather than spreading yourself thin and compromising quality. Along with normal day to day food service I also cater for weddings and other special events. Due to my background with working at a catering company I have prepped, cooked, and served food at hundreds of weddings. The part of my brand I am most proud of is it being a sole proprietorship with a 22 year old owner. There have been times where I have questioned this project but the reactions i get from those who hear about it have kept me motivated.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Truthfully I am not the best person to be advising on this subject. I’ve just had a good attitude and worked hard and thankfully that has attracted mostly good people who have given me advice.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: the_haughty_hog
- Facebook: the.haughty.hog
- Twitter: the_haughty_hog
