We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Garret Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Garret, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
I’ve struggled with mental health in some level my whole life. In March of 2022 I lost my wife of 19 years. My mental health took a huge hit. I still struggle daily with it. I haven’t overcome it. I’m currently treating it through a variety of means. Anxiety is by far the worst one I’m dealing with. So many things have changed since that horrible day. I have 4 beautiful daughters to take care of.
I saw a local food truck event and thought to myself, that’s something I could do. I have over 20 years experience in the industry. My Father and I went into business that summer together and opened in October. Trying to navigate grief and being a business owner all while being a newly widowed single father is not something I recommend. However, we’re making it work and making it through.
I’d like to personally thank the local community. I’ve always felt like an outsider, and they have embraced me with open arms.
Garret Smith of Burger Pioneers
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?
Burger Pioneers was founded to celebrate the life of Rebecca Lyn Smith, wife, mother, and daughter. We make delicious 1/3 pound burgers with our special seasoning and special sauce. Our Black Angus beef is grass-fed, non antibiotic, organic, steroid free, fresh, and never frozen with no preservatives. It’s the most vigorously tested beef from birth to plate in the whole country. It’s on par with American wagyu. Come and taste the difference! We source all our ingredients locally whenever possible. We make delicious waffle fries. We sell drinks as well.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The knowledge I had of the restaurant industry is vital. That includes the networking throughout the years.
I know what people in my area like and I cater to them. Everywhere is doing gimmick burgers, we decided not to and people love it.
I have great people skills, I can be very charming and an great at dealing with customers.
Research before jumping in. This is not a side hustle or a retirement plan. This is the hardest I’ve ever worked. Be ready to lose money until you establish a brand.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My Father has been a great mentor my whole life. He taught me work ethic. He taught me about respect and honor. He molded me into the man I am today. I am eternally grateful to my Father. He had done more for me and my family than I can count.
Contact Info:
- Website: burgerpioneers.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/burgerpioneers?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082945586438&mibextid=2JQ9oc
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/mhfTSOdJxh
