Every once in a while I get an email from a reader that truly warms my heart. Actually it happens quite a lot. That’s one of the many reasons why I love publishing this newsletter for you. (Pictures below)
Ed writes…
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Steve,
As you can see from the pictures, Yankee Doodle Doggie is up and running. I am still working my Monday through Friday job so this will be weekend work for me and I love it! When my wife saw the paint job of red white and blue, she suggested the name.
One day a few weeks ago before the health department inspection, she told me she said a prayer for the success of the hot dog cart business and looking for a sign that things would work out. That same day, after I got home from work, I pulled the cart out of the garage to put on some finishing touches for the inspection. Our county assessor was out knocking doors for his re-election campaign, was driving by and had to stop when he saw the cart. He told me he was having his meet and greet with a few others running for office for their campaign headquarters and they thought they would just order pizza. He told me he didn’t want pizza; he wanted HOT DOGS and was wondering if there was any way at all for me to be there. Well I was there, and it was a great hit and I made a little money in the process. My wife’s prayer was answered quickly!
I’ve also been to a nearby flea market on Saturday and will continue that for the moment. I have help with my son in law David and my granddaughter Gigi.
Thanks for all your support and help in getting this up and running!
Ed Sweeden
Yankee Doodle Doggie
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Ed, you did a beautiful job on the cart and I really LOVE the patriotic color scheme. As you may know I am very proud of my country and of those who protect and serve her. I’m also crazy about you folks who work hard each day to create new businesses and opportunities for yourselves and others.
And today I’m especially proud of YOU Ed.
Your E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart really came out nice and it’s also a great lesson in branding. Think about it. That paint job literally made a man stop in his tracks, approach you, and offer to pay you. How cool is that?
You are also blessed to have such a wonderful family who supports you in your slingin’ biz. Your son in law and granddaughter really look happy in these pictures. You are a lucky man indeed Ed.
Thanks for sharing your story with me. Please let me know how else I can help you. And that applies to all of you, dear readers,
-Steve
P.S. Let’s hear it for Ed, David, and Gigi in the comments!
click on the picture below for a larger image
Absolutely love it! Best wishes!
Creative, Timely, and Fun! Good Job and thanks for sharing!
Great job and all the BEST with your cart and business
Just what America needs! A good example of good old Yankee Ingenuity. Keep up the good work. That’s a real beauty!
Ed- looks great. I am sure you will be a complete success with the cart and the support of your great family.
The cart looks great! Nice that family is involved. Yhanks for sharing.
Amazing paint job. I never, in a million years would have thought of that… it’s patriotic, it’s awesome, and it SCREAMS ‘buy my dogs’
If you don’t get a huge 4th of July gig with this cart, I’d be amazed.
Good luck to you and your family Ed and thank you Steve for continuing to produce this awesome blog about the ‘little guy’ entrepreneur.
-Joshua Black
That looks terrific! Did you do the paint job? Where did you find that nice umbrella? Where is your location? You are already a success b/c your family is in 100% with you! My best wishes for continued successes slingin’ dogs :))
Hmmm, prayer. Who’d a thought! God does answer prayer! Your a lucky guy to have the support of your wife and family. Calling in an air strike from the Lord is never a bad idea.
Awesome looking, eye catching cart !! I always look at a cart, or any mobile food vendor like any resturant, does it look clean, and is it really clean. You can have a real eye catching rig, but, does it look clean, and is it clean? People eat with their eyes first. That is why my cart is finished off like it was.
Beautiful cart. I love it. I like the umbrella too, but here’s a flag umbrella. It might match better.
Ed & Yankee Doodle Doggies…”Saving the American economy, one dog at a time.” Ed, with your fledgling business you have already done more to stimulate our economy than our current administration has been able to accomplish in over 3 years. Seriously, I just love, love, love the patriotic scheme. You got a real winner there. I hope you, Gigi & Dave keep up the good work and I wish you all much success. It’s folks like you and Steve and all my other brethren hot doggers that are going to save this country and usher in a new era of patriotism, pride and entrepreneurial spirit. God speed.
I concur, all you need is a Flag Umbrella. This cart looks GREAT! Good Luck !
Thanks for another Great Story Steve….Best of Luck to you,and your family Ed…………….
That cart is really something! Good job, and best of luck to you and your family.
Papa
Just so I understand this, a politician wanted to hire the vendor before he had an inspection from the HD?
Great looking cart Ed! You’ll have to walk the political line though cause I have a feeling both parties are going to scoop you up for their events. LOL Best of Luck to you and your family.
SGT D.
You will do great at the dog business. The cart is just a one of a kind and will standout every where you are. Hope for the best of luck for you and your family. Always keep it fun!!
Duggs Doggs
Good!! Good!!
Thanks all! The support of this great community has been not only an inspiration but gave me the courage to take that step. You guys are AWSOME!The red white and blue theme was what I wanted to do from the start, and yes, I did the paint job myself. David is in the Air Force and another son in law is in the army currently in Korea. My wife and I spent 21 years as civilians providing music for the chapel on the Little Rock Air Force Base. I am a patriot and believe that small business is the best thing for our economy, even one hot dog at a time! The umbrella was at a yard sale for only $30, but will be replaced by the flag umbrella as soon as I make enough extra to buy it. Thanks again all for your support! Happy slinging!
Oh, and by the way, David was a big help in contruction too!
Very Nice cart! Best of luck to you and your family!
Ed can i get the measurement of your triple sink on the side of your car. i have been trying to think on how to mount a triple sink on the side of my cart. what type of sinks are you using??? I am using a small grill on side of my cart.
cart looks great keep doggin
Great job hope to have mine done soon.
OUTSTANDING !!!!!
Wow! Ed, you did a fantastic job! A real beauty of a cart. Wish I had thought of that design myself. And you have perfect timing too, with the upcoming Presidential Election and Independence Day. Just wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Good luck slinging, Ed!
Americans love our flag!! It’s a number 1 hit!