We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Raymond Yaptinchay & Jay Tugas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Raymond & Jay with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Our work ethic is deeply rooted in our personal values and upbringing. Growing up, We witnessed the dedication and perseverance of our parents, who worked tirelessly to provide for our family. Their strong work ethic served as a constant inspiration, teaching me the importance of hard work, commitment, and determination.
Furthermore, our work ethic is fueled by my passion for what we do. We believe that when you love what you do, it ceases to be just a job; it becomes a part of who you are. This passion drives me to excel and pushes me to continuously improve our skills and knowledge.
Additionally, We find motivation in setting goals for myself and striving to achieve them. Having clear objectives gives us a sense of purpose and direction, motivating us to work diligently and stay focused on my tasks. We also believe in the power of discipline and time management, which enable me to balance my responsibilities effectively and meet deadlines consistently.
Moreover, We are influenced by the people we surround our selves with – colleagues, mentors, and friends who share a similar drive for success. Being in a supportive and encouraging environment reinforces our work ethic and pushes me to exceed my limits.
In summary, our work ethic is a combination of our upbringing, passion for our work, goal-setting, discipline, and the positive influences of the people around us. These factors collectively shape my attitude towards work, making us resilient, dedicated, and constantly striving for excellence.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
We are the Chefs/Owners & Operators of Spoon & Pork a modern filipino comfort food concept in Los Angeles. We started as a food truck in 2017 and now have two locations in Los Angeles.
Spoon & Pork began as a dream, two friends that grew up in the Philippines then we both moved to America wanting to share our culture through our food.
That dream turned into reality in 2017 when we started our food truck. Excited to introduce the flavors we grew up with,
we started hitting the streets of LA. In just 3 months of opening they were awarded 2017 Best Food Truck by LA Weekly
Summer of 2019, we opened their first brick & mortar in Silver Lake located in the Eastside of LA. Los Angeles Times and New York Times named the Patita & Coco Jack one of the best dishes of 2019
In 2020, we were added to the LA Times 101 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles. Plate Magazine named us Chefs to Watch in 2020.
In 2021 we were listed on the California Michelin Guide & given the Plate distinction. We also opened our second location in Sawtelle Blvd on West LA
This is Filipino comfort food. Born in the Philippines and made in Los Angeles, We are proud to present traditional flavors that we cherished growing up in the Philippines through our lens, we reimagined dishes that are inspired by our travels and living in Los Angeles
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on our journey, three pivotal qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge have profoundly shaped our success:
1. Empathy and Customer Understanding: Understanding our customers’ needs and desires has been the cornerstone of our business. It’s crucial to set aside ego and actively listen to your audience. Customer feedback is a goldmine of insights. Engage with them, understand their preferences, and anticipate their desires. This deep understanding not only helps in tailoring your offerings but also fosters customer loyalty. To those starting out, my advice is to immerse yourself in your customers’ world and genuinely connect with your audience. Stay receptive to their feedback and let it guide your decisions.
2. Adaptability and Innovation: The pandemic taught us the importance of adaptability. Markets change, consumer behaviors shift, and unexpected challenges arise. Being able to pivot swiftly and innovate in response to these changes is vital. Embrace a culture of continuous improvement and be open to change. Study emerging trends, invest in research and development, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Stay ahead of the curve by attending industry events, reading extensively, and networking with peers. Remember, evolution is not just a response to crises; it’s a continuous process that propels your business forward.
3.Building a Stellar Team: Hiring the right people is akin to assembling the perfect puzzle. Your team shapes the culture of your business, impacts its efficiency, and influences its success. Look for individuals not only with the right skills but also with a passion for your mission. Cultural fit and shared values are as important as technical expertise. Invest in your employees’ growth and well-being; foster a collaborative environment where ideas are valued and creativity thrives. For those at the beginning of their journey, my advice is to prioritize hiring wisely. Don’t rush; find individuals who not only complement your skills but also bring fresh perspectives to the table. Invest in training and team-building activities, and most importantly, trust your team to excel.
In summary, success in business is a blend of understanding your customers deeply, being agile and innovative, and surrounding yourself with a passionate and skilled team. Stay humble, stay curious, and never stop learning. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Your journey will be filled with obstacles, but it’s how you overcome them that defines your success. Stay resilient, stay focused, and believe in your vision. Success is not just a destination; it’s a continuous, evolving journey.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I find myself overwhelmed, I adhere to a few key strategies that have proven invaluable in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. First and foremost, I believe in the power of taking a step back and simply breathing. It’s amazing how a moment of calm can provide clarity amidst chaos. This brief pause allows me to regain my composure and approach the situation with a clearer perspective.
Additionally, I tackle overwhelming situations by breaking them down into manageable parts. Instead of attempting to solve everything at once, I focus on one problem at a time. Prioritizing tasks not only makes the workload seem more achievable but also ensures that each issue is addressed effectively. This step-by-step approach prevents me from feeling inundated and helps maintain my focus on resolving individual challenges.
Being an entrepreneur demands a robust mindset. Amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s essential to cultivate mental resilience. I’ve learned to shield myself from external distractions and negative influences. The entrepreneurial journey is often accompanied by a barrage of outside noise, opinions, and doubts. Ignoring these distractions and staying true to the core principles that brought me here is vital. It’s about trusting my instincts and the path I’ve chosen, even when faced with skepticism.
Moreover, I firmly believe in the concept of staying the course. Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. While immediate gratification might be rare, persistence and consistency yield substantial rewards over time. I remind myself of the progress made and the hurdles overcome, reinforcing my belief in the journey I’m on. This unwavering determination, coupled with continuous learning and adaptation, is the recipe for long-term success.
In essence, when overwhelmed, I step back, focus on one challenge at a time, shield myself from distractions, and maintain faith in my journey. By applying these strategies, I not only regain control but also find the strength to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship successfully.
Contact Info:
- Website: spoonandpork.com
- Instagram: spoonandporkla
