The year is about to end and we got a very late start. The toughest time to start a business in Estes Park is winter and of course, that’s exactly what we did. What have we learned?
1- Estes Park has some of the realest people of any town I have ever been in long enough to really get to know people. They tell it straight and many are business owners so they understand the struggle. I am thankful for all of the suggestions and words of encouragement.
2- Wood burning pizza ovens are less forgiving than my Grandma- and that’s saying something. It’s a beast to learn and manage but produces the best tasting food imaginable.
3- Start small. We all have many ideas and to try to implement a bunch simultaneously is suicide without a huge team of people. The processes take some time to develop and constantly evolve. People ask every day if we have: salads, delivery, sandwiches, etc., Get one thing right and then add others. Right now, we are doing pizza.
4- There are people who would rather eat something delivered than go out for something extraordinary.
5- Not everyone is your customer. Accept that and move on.
6- If you’re willing to accept positive feedback, you have to be able to accept negative. And, you have to act on it. We have had many pieces of positive and negative feedback that are greatly appreciated. Remember, food is very personal. I’ve learned recently that not many people know what a cannoli is. Even fewer have heard of a garlic knot. So, we must educate and introduce. This is one hell of an opportunity and we will not squander it. If you’d like to know more about pizza or whatever we serve, come on in. Lastly, there are those who will just make nasty comments and they came to your business to do it because of whatever reason. Accept that and let go. Very few will remain customers but they present an opportunity to change perception.
7- Put yourself out there without fear. Nothing monumental is achieved without risk. Yeah, someone is definitely going to say your stuff sucks. That’s life. Those who see opportunity, come up with a game plan and take the shot are people I truly appreciate. Learning a new trade is wrought with risk but truly enjoyable when you master each task. The funny part is, you never really master a task, you simply become increasingly proficient, but don’t be afraid to look at how far you’ve come.
Thank you All for the opportunity and friendship. May your New Year be safe, prosperous and above all Healthy!