We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Eric Rimmele a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Eric thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Well, You don’t take the risk they will be no “reward”… I totally agree, however “reward” comes in very different ways. You win big, great, you might struggle for years to get there or you simply loose. In my opinion, ESAY money does not exist. Really nothing in-between. For all the risk takers out there, here is the beginning, you take your life, professional and private, to a level that you did not anticipate. Positive or negative. Who are you going to blame if it gets south and who do you credit when successful…its YOU at the end! I guess that’s in a nutshell…

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Not repeat what has been already written, I would refer to LinkedIn, or just look me up.

The short version: 4th generation in the food biz. Butchers, farmers, caterers, hoteliers.

One of your questions is what set you apart…It’s your clients. We are in the SERVICE industry. You have to have a lot of knowledge and humane Insite. To “serve” like it seems under worthy. It’s an art.
Have you ever had someone dress you down? Well, in our industry it seems to be a badge of honor for some clients just to give you shit. I understand that we all have a bad day…. but do you always have to find that food worker, that has no defense, and you will be little him/her/or to make you fell better…..

I think I’m being carried away here, it still hurst me seeing people treating us like foot mats.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Yes, I can, September 18, 2008. I was laid off. It took me, first be surprised, secondly unexpected, not processing it till noon. The whole economy was going bunkers, but I did feel safe where I was. However, I was the highest paid employee by the company. A small business at that time. Intellectually, I understood the move. Personally, I was the lamest dismissal. Dang, it still gets emotions going! ; )

Pivoting, I found myself in a situation of “nothing”…but a friend of mine had problems in one of his endeavors and I ended up being a receiver of the California Superior Court for one of those endeavors.
Long story short, try not to ever get onto the Court System!!! … unless you are super rich and have the most un scruples attorneys. (disclaimer, just my opinion)

remind you of someone…?

After, all this I scaled back and was rehired by a former employer, who now could afford me and I fell back on my feet and started “new”. Well, about the “could now afford me”, really was not an option, I needed the job!!!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

No, there is a lot of literature out there, but I believe most entrepreneurs did not read a book on how to become one but had it in their bones and then, made money of it. It’s one of those things, you have it or not. If the feeling drives you, you will try. My only advise, if you are not good with numbers get yourself a good accountant!!! Keep those books close to you, it’s going to be the only thing which will not lie to you!!

Image Credits
Debbora Shields Photographer