Kim Gandhi shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Kim, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
We went to Houston to help our daughter in law while she was at a conference with our granddaughter. She is 1 year old and the joy that little ones have along with innocent curiousity just makes me smile. After she was asleep last night, we went to the rooftop garden and sat quietly under the stars with a fire going and reflected on how wonderful our lives are.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As the Chief Operating Officer at Food Fire + Knives, I leverage my 30+ years of experience in business development, project management, and customer service to support local chefs and create memorable in-home dining experiences for our clients. I am a certified PMP, Project Executive, and Salesforce Platform Specialist, with a BBA in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
My passion for food and cooking stems from my Hispanic and German heritage, and I have traveled the world to explore different cuisines and cultures. I joined Food Fire + Knives in 2021 to help transform the food industry and empower chefs to showcase their creativity, flexibility, and talent.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad was who taught me the most about work. Not just work, but the attributes that make a great leader, mentor and communicator. He didn’t have a fancy education and worked long hours. He was in retail his whole life going from being in the stock room to being a VP in a national chain. He was tough but fair and whenever he got promoted, his team would ask to go with him. He continued to be part of every job that was in the stores – you could find him helping to unload a truck or jumping on a register or even helping out over in the restaurant if needed even though he was an executive. He loved customer service and was the embodiment of servant leadership to his teams.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
With the big failures, you wonder how you are going to survive. I once had a leader tell me that it’s very rare that one person can take down a company (especially in corporate America) so taking risk and being an advocate to change something takes courage but also acceptance that you won’t always be successful. Dusting off and getting back into the game and re-inventing yourself is always an option. Once I embraced that, it didn’t make failing any easier, but I learned to continually pivot.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I think it is. I don’t really have time to pretend to be someone else.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
At least twice per year, our kids join us somewhere in the US for a family get together. We’ve been doing this since they moved on with their lives and to various parts of the US for over 15 years now. The family has grown but they make time to come together to spend time with each other. It’s fun and relaxing with no pressure on anyone to do anything but have fun with each and we get to cook some amazing meals together. Coming together to put meals together is a family affair and we spend it laughing and catching up or telling stories of the past. It makes my heart full and I am at peace!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.foodfireknives.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodfire_knives/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/food-fire-knives/
- Twitter: @food_knives
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodfireknives/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@foodfireknives9487
Image Credits
Our wonderful Chefs at Food Fire + Knives.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
