Meet EJ Gonzalez

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful EJ Gonzalez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with EJ below.

EJ, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My grandmother Josie embodied resilience and resourcefulness in every season of her life. She was not only one of the hardest workers I’ve known, but also found clever ways to support the family—like cooking hearty meals for warehouse workers in the neighborhood, earning a little extra with every batch she delivered. Her energy never dwindled; Josie was always dreaming up improvements for our home, whether it meant mending a leaky roof, repainting the kitchen, or building shelves from reclaimed wood.
When the house next door burned down, Josie saw opportunity rather than misfortune. She rolled up her sleeves and, without relying on contractors, electricians, or professional painters, led the rebuilding with her own hands and determination. Her practical skills and boundless will turned charred ruins into a welcoming home once more.
After the work was done, Josie didn’t stop there. She fenced in both properties, seamlessly combining two lots into one sprawling yard where children could run and gardens could flourish. Her drive, creativity, and warmth shaped not just our family’s home, but the spirit that held us together.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Growing up under my grandmother’s care has profoundly shaped who I am today. Her influence instilled in me a strong work ethic, a deep sense of community, and an unwavering belief in the power of perseverance. I learned invaluable life lessons from her – lessons about resilience, compassion, and the importance of family. These values continue to guide my professional journey, influencing my approach to challenges and my interactions with others. I find immense satisfaction in providing fresh authentic meals to feed the elderly. It’s truly rewarding to see the smiles and hear the gratitude of those I serve. Beyond the act of providing nourishment, it’s about offering companionship and a connection that can make a significant difference in their lives. Through these interactions, I’ve learned valuable lessons about empathy, and the importance of community support. It’s more than just feeding; it’s about fostering dignity and ensuring no one feels forgotten. When your loved ones’ health changes, and they are no longer able to cook for themself. This situation has created a significant challenge for families, to ensure they get nutritious meals has now become a primary concern. We are actively seeking solutions to provide her with the food they need while maintaining their independence and dignity. We offer a convenient meal prepping and delivery service, designed to make it easier for you to nourish your loved ones. Our carefully crafted meals are not only delicious but also prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring a healthy and satisfying experience for everyone. We take the stress out of meal planning and preparation, allowing you to spend more quality time with your family and friends.

Here’s what makes our service special:

* **Customizable Options:** We offer a variety of meal plans to suit different dietary needs and preferences.
* **Fresh, Quality Ingredients:** We source the freshest, highest-quality ingredients to create flavorful and nutritious meals.
* **Convenient Delivery:** Meals are delivered right to your doorstep, saving you time and effort.
* **Delicious and Nutritious:** Our meals are designed to be both delicious and nutritious, providing the energy your loved ones need.

We offer a range of services beyond our core offerings. We specialize in creating a variety of hand-held baked goods, perfect for any occasion. Additionally, we provide in-house personal chef options, allowing our clients to enjoy expertly prepared meals in the comfort of their own homes.

My entrepreneurial journey began with a passion for my grandmother’s recipes. I started by baking desserts for my coworkers, which evolved into making lunches. From those humble beginnings, the business steadily grew, expanding our offerings and reaching a wider audience. We make real food for real people, a tradition started by my grandmother. This family history guides us to place a special emphasis on the needs and preferences of older generations, ensuring our food is both nourishing and comforting, just like home.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three most impactful qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge in my journey have been:

* **Customer Feedback:** Actively listening to customer feedback is paramount. If a majority of customers find an item too sweet or the portions too small, make the necessary adjustments.
* **Preserving Success:** When something is working effectively, resist the urge to change it. Stability and proven success should be prioritized.
* **Lifelong Learning:** I chose restaurant management because I recognized the value of learning from everyone. Chefs in the kitchen and staff on the floor each possess valuable insights and experiences that can contribute to overall growth and success.

For those starting out and unsure where to begin, my advice is to do what you love and help the people you care about. Identify the areas needing improvement. While there are abundant options for fast food delivery, there’s a significant gap in weekly home-cooked meal delivery services.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

Running your own business is an unrelenting cycle that demands your attention and energy in myriad ways. Each day is filled with the choreography of tasks—planning out operations, placing orders for supplies, coordinating deliveries, managing ever-shifting inventory, and responding to the unpredictable needs of customers. The inbox fills with cold calls and inquiries. Marketing campaigns must be designed and implemented, merchandise needs oversight, and every order must be tracked from inception to fulfillment. There is no shortage of planning, whether it’s sketching out the schedule for the afternoon or mapping strategies for the next six months. The sheer scope of responsibilities can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to lose sight of yourself amid the constant hustle.
But through experience, I’ve discovered that carving out intentional time for yourself is not just a luxury, but a necessity. It’s vital to identify a place or an activity that brings you peace—a personal sanctuary where you can regularly retreat, not just in moments of crisis, but as an act of self-care woven into your routine. For me, that haven is the beach. When I step onto the sand, it’s as if the burdens of the day momentarily slip away. The rhythmic crash of the waves against the shore becomes a natural meditation, coaxing me to breathe deeper and slow my racing thoughts. The salty breeze carries a sense of renewal, and the sun-warmed sand beneath my feet grounds me in the present moment. It’s a place where I can sit quietly, listen, reflect, and simply exist—recharging my spirit so I can return to my business with clarity and resilience.

Everyone’s journey is different, but finding and embracing your own “happy place” is essential for maintaining balance and perspective. Whether it’s the beach, a quiet park, or a cozy corner of your home, these moments of respite are what sustain us through the relentless pace of entrepreneurship. They remind us of the importance of self-care, allowing us to thrive both personally and professionally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Ericjfoods.com
• Instagram: EJfoods2023
• Facebook: EricJFoods LLC
• Twitter: Ericjfoods

Image Credits

Eric Gonzalez