(1) LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?

Entrepreneurship is something I have always felt inside myself. From a young age I would always think and find ways to earn money. However, it wasn't until I was laid off from my job as a plumber to realize entrepreneurship was the only way I could guarantee my bills would get paid. This is when I really took action into creating the life of an entrepreneur and working on my business.

(2) LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?

I am in the mobile food industry. More specifically, I sell hotdogs from a hotdog cart. I chose my industry for a couple reasons. One, because I had prior experience and I knew enough to get started doing what I do. Two, it was a low cost and low risk option in my opinion.

(3) LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending WBA. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you?

I really enjoyed attending the WBA. That program has helped me really understand the different parts of my business. Starting out as a business owner, we only focus on the product or service we are providing. We try to master that thing that we can then market and sell for a profit. But owning a business is much more than that.

Owning a small business, I found that in addition to mastering that product or service, you also have to be a manager, a secretary, a marketing manager, and a bookkeeper to name a few and wear many hats. The WBA helped me realize all the parts to my business and how to focus on managing those things specific to my company.

(4) LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?

While getting started, some of the challenges I have had to overcome was getting all my permits and certifications. Now, I find my challenge to be, finding ways to sustain business through the slow season. I have had success staying busy, but non the less, it's still a challenge.

Speaking of success, I find that the more proactive I am, the more successful I am. When you find what it is that makes your business work, you just keep doing it. I know what I have to do. So as long as I do that, I know I will be successful. Owning my business has allowed me to spend more time with my family, work less as opposed to working a regular job, and earn a higher wage as opposed to working a regular job. That for me is a success.

Failures for me have been not being able to grow as fast as I may have wanted to, or not landing a location I may have wanted. I know that as long as I continue to do the things I need to do; those failures will too become successes. Despite the failures you keep on moving and embracing those opportunities that are vital for you as an entrepreneur and for your business.

(5) LAEDA: Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?

Today my wife and I have 3 hotdog carts. We use them at public and private events.

(6) LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?

My advice is simple. Don't give up. You can't fail unless you give up.

More about ANY Mobile Vending & Catering LLC:

ANY Mobile Vending & Catering LLC is a mobile food vending business. We specialize in hotdog carts here in southern New Jersey. You can find us on the Camden Waterfront by Adventure Aquarium and the Freedom Mortgage Pavillion on certain days and events. We also sell at street festivals, various farmers markets, car shows, parades and more. In addition, we cater giveaways, customer appreciation days, employee appreciation days, end of weddings refreshments and more.

For more information on ANY Mobile Vending & Catering LLC, please call at 856-831-2055 or any of the links below:

Facebook: anthonytheweeniegenie

Instagram: anthonytheweeniegenie

TikTok: anthonytheweeniegenie

About the Women's Business Academy:

The Women's Business Academy (WBA) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Winter each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals as well as business planning, business counseling, and continued technical assistance. Apply online at www.laedawbc.com or www.LAEDA.com.