Hey Steve,
Just thought I’d drop a line to update you on what is going on with the business. As you know, I had decided to take a leap of faith and pursue my dreams and left my day job for slinging dogs on Ft. Hood. Let me say that I have made the right decision!
I have been extremely busy with work on post along with my weekend markets and festivals! I recently purchased a second cart but I’m having a hard time finding someone to man it for me.
I am being sought out for different events, some overlapping each other on the same day. People recognize the cart and logo and I am developing a strong following!
I went back to carrying natural casing dogs and let me tell you, that was definitely the right choice! I’ve got troopers on post telling me that my dogs take them back home and how much they love my dogs! The future definitely looks bright for me and Stevie’s Red Hot Wienies!
By the way, I met a man a while back at an event in Gatesville and he took my business card. Well, he works for the Red Cross on post and he called me last week and hired me for a gig to feed 500 wounded warriors! He was impressed with my set up, my food and my personality!
I can’t tell you how much I owe my success to you and what you have done for me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thanks again for being a friend, a mentor and a brother from a different mother!
Your friend always,
Esteban Guzman
Stevie’s Red Hot Wienies
UPDATE: I forgot to mention that I had met someone who was having a hard time finding a job and her car was dyeing out on her.
After thinking about her situation I told her that I had a small business and although I couldn’t pay her much she could at least make some money. She was very grateful and accepted my offer.
I believe that things happen for a reason and I believe that God put her in my life and me in hers. She is an excellent worker and I’m extremely happy to have her as an employee. Now I have a dedicated cashier which frees me to concentrate on slinging dogs.
Yes, things are definitely looking good for Stevie’s Red Hot Wienies! Thanks again my friend!
**************
Wow. I’m totally speechless. Well, not really but almost!
Hey Esteban,
I can remember talking to you on the phone a couple of years ago. You were thinking of getting into the hot dog biz and wanted to build your own cart.
You told me that you wanted to sell Chicago Dogs – a man after my own heart 😉
I also remember the pictures that you sent me as you were building your E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart in your yard, and the video of you making Chicago Dogs in your kitchen and taste testing them on your nephew.
After you got rolling you sent me one of your super cool tee shirts. I still have it.
Now you’re in the majors – a full time slinger. It’s so cool to see how far you have come my friend.
Let’s hear it in the comments for Stevie and his Red Hot Weenies!
-Steve
P.S. How about them Blackhawks?!!!
I don’t want to take any credit away from Steve but you did this Esteban. You took the big step. Steve can help with the tools but the winner is you. Keep it going and make it fun. DUGGS DOGGS
GOOD!! GOOD!!
I couldn’t agree more Michael. Esteban made his own dream a reality. I’m very proud of him!!!
This is a great story. Shows the dedication and drive, with the proper motivation from someone who is willing to give great advice. Congrats on the great location and huge success.
And Steve, to you another full timer success story, another feather in your cap.
I agree!; But it is a testament to Steve as well he has never seemed to see the need to put down anyone else selling hot dog info online. He has never said “everyone else is crap” Like others do. He is open and honest with his “customers” I am a “FAN!”, not a customer, he shares everything he knows. No holds barred! I know that I will be a success because Steve has and will show me the way… Best money I ever spent!
Bernie
snappershotdogs.com
Love your biz. But lets go Wings!!!
way to go Esteban !!! you have turned the corner. Right behind ya man.
Steve said it !! You’re in the big time now..
It’s great to see people make a better life & love what they do.
There are a lot of collage kids than can man your second cart. Try that.
Best o luck to ye matey !!
1St Mate Jim.
What a great and inspiring story! So happy for you! You are an encouragement to us trying hard to start our own hot dog business. The first thing I noticed was your Chicago Blackhawks jersey. MY TEAM! Love my Hawks and glad to see you sporting their jersey. Seeing that and reading your inspiring story made my morning. Thank you and all the best wished for you!
Geez, Esteban- sounds to me like you’re doing something right ! Whatever you’re doing keep on doin’ !!! (Love the Wahoo on the shirt! )
Esteban,
You’re already on post at Ft. Hood. Contact the NCOIC of the dining hall. I’d bet there’s a couple of military guys or gals there who wouldn’t mind some part-time work. As a bonus, they’re already trained in food safety, and they have the discipline to get to the job on-time and ready.
Great idea Gordon! I assume from your comment that you served in the military. Thank You!!!
I can’t believe it, but I remember when you started! It was about the same time I did. Congratulations! You really hit the big time! Or should I say Gig time? Way to go!
This is so inspiring! Can’t wait to be slinging for a couple years! Esteban, I know I have read about you on HDP before. Many of you stand out. Your stories fuel me. Robin at the courthouse, good lookin’ Doug…you are all slingers that made it happen and continue to motivate me all the way. Special thanks once again to you Steve!
Scooby of Zay Zay’s Catering and More
Wow, was I ever surprised when I saw this story this morning! Thank you everyone for all your kind words and encouragement! I have been extremely blessed and I am so humbled by all that is happening to me in my life. What I appreciate more though, is the fact that I am able to give back to the community by reaching out and helping someone in need. I’m no rich man by any means but I am able to be there for someone who appreciates it and who is very enthusiastic in what we are trying to do. Thanks again Steve, I truly appreciate all your help. I remember when I entered a contest you had going on and I entered it, I didnt think anything of it of course until 3 days later when I received a package from you. It was the hot dog cart building plans! I thought to myself, “self, you better build this thing, if someone was kind enough to send it to you you should return the favor and build the darn thing! 3 years later I stand here among all you slingers and feel honored and proud to be a friend and brother to each and every one of you!
Right on, my man!! Am in the process myself of leaving my J.O.B (just over broke) and pursuing my hot dog dream. I really love reading the comments here. Much continued success to you. May GOD continyue to guide you and your business.
Papa George
Congratulations Esteban! Your story is inspiration & motivation bro. Your riches are in your spirit…May God continue to dwell there. Five more months to retirement for me. The website is continuing to grow, the business permits, business cards, dba are taken care of. I have completed the food handler’s course and I am pretty sure of the cart I will be investing in. Between Steve’s course and all these motivational success stories I am attempting to join the ranks of successful slingers!
Dapper D,
Dapper Demand Hot Dog Stand
You’re making great progress! Keep up the good work Dapper D.
Awesome story!! Very inspiring! If I may, I have worked in the oil and gas industry for many years, and made a decent living for my family. I have always wanted to work for myself though because I felt a J.O.B was not the best option for happiness. I always wanted to spend more time with my family ans so several years ago I started researching hot dog carts. I was fascinated by the idea and from that point on wanted to own and operate one. Guess what? 5 years went by and I was afraid to act! I was stuck at my job and fearful of leaving a regular paycheck. Just a few months ago I FINALLY said enough is enough I am going to do this! I got the money together and bought a hot dog cart, got all the licensing and permits, joined my local Chamber of Commerce (thank you Steve for that tip) and started walking in various businesses and talking to the owners about setting up there. I have two regular spots nailed down, two festivals, and two private parties and this has all happened very quickly! This morning was my very first day to set up and sling dogs! I finally did it! It’s all about taking one step at a time and being persistent! Did I get rich on my first day! Of course not, I made $109 bucks. I know it will grow and get better though and I’m very excited! Thanks to all the info found on Steve’s site I have overcome many obstacles that at one time seemed impossible. I also want to personally thank you Steve for always answering my emails and giving me great tips! Your a great guy and a huge help to many of us!!! Lannis From Lyngle’s Dog Wild
Way to go Lannis! That’s a great first day, and you are right – it will keep growing from there.