Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jose Padilla. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jose, appreciate you joining us today. So, what do you think about family businesses? Would you want your children or other family members to one day join your business?

In our family we are very proud of our business, we have seen it grow and we can’t wait for the next chapter, whichever it will be. Some of the things that have worked well are: our passion and expertise, we are passionate about Paella and have expertise in the culinary field, this has been a significant advantage in creating and delivering a high-quality product and service. Also, having built our vision on our family values, keeps us aligned and working towards a common goal, cohesively and harmoniously. And the other factor that has contributed to our success is a strong work ethic, everyone is willing to go the extra mile to ensure the business’s success. In regards to pitfalls any business faces challenges, in our case, the biggest challenge is balancing work with leisure, and separating family roles and business roles. It is challenging to maintain a clear separation between family matters and business operations, but it is not impossible; I as the main chef in this enterprise, am the operating engine, which includes cooking, sales, and customer service, and my wife is the marketing engine, and our kids are cooks.
To the question: Would you want your children to join your business? -yes- they are already working with us and are amazing. I don’t know if they will continue this business independently, but I hope they will consider that option. Ensuring the continuity of the company beyond the current point is something we will need to plan and analyze, I know there are many aspects to consider, including proper legal and financial structures. I think I will seek professional advice on this matter.
I had to think for a while to be able to answer your last question. Yes, there are stories or experiences that have shaped my view on family businesses. Every time I visit Spain, my homeland, I get inspired by those multigenerational enterprises; it is a delight to see parents and children working side to side with pride and ethics, and more importantly, sharing responsibilities and celebrating successes.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I have a diverse background that has taken me from Spain to Venezuela and finally to the United States. I moved to Venezuela at a young age and had the opportunity to study Computer Engineering and work in high-profile corporations, as well as founding and operating two of my own companies. However, in 2010, due to changing circumstances in the niche we served, my wife and I made the decision to move to Texas in the United States.

In Texas, I continued to operate one of the companies I founded in Venezuela, which focused on industrial procurement. Soon I realized that the opportunities in that niche were declining. As a result, I decided to explore new career paths and pursued positions as a Project Manager, drawing on my extensive experience. But it was not possible, and I feel grateful for that stroke of “bad” luck.

I took a bold step and ventured into the catering business, specializing in a unique offering: Paellas. I founded a singular catering company that exclusively caters paellas, leveraging my entrepreneurial spirit and passion for creating unique culinary experiences. Paella1513 has allowed me to further develop my skills in customer service, operations management, leadership, and even media production, as well as cultivate my passion for culinary arts.

Our main product is creating unique and authentic Paella experiences for our clients. Our Paellas are carefully crafted with high-quality ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and based on my family’s recipe, to deliver a truly memorable culinary experience.

One of the main problems we solve for our clients is providing them with a distinctive and memorable catering option that stands out from the crowd. Paella is a beloved Spanish dish that is not commonly found in many catering menus, so we offer something unique and unexpected that adds a touch of novelty and excitement to any event or gathering. We have perfected our recipes over the years, and our passion for this traditional Spanish dish shines through in every paella we create. We take pride in delivering a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that creates lasting memories for our clients and their guests.

I am most proud of the reputation we have built as a trusted and reputable catering company. We have received rave reviews from our clients, and our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is unwavering. I am also proud of our ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive market by offering a unique and specialized product that sets us apart from others.

As a potential client, follower, or fan, I want you to know that we are passionate about what we do, we are reliable and most importantly very friendly. Our commitment to quality, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service are at the heart of everything we do.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building our social media presence has been a collaborative effort that involved leveraging the expertise of key players. One of the key steps we took was hiring an ex-coworker from Venezuela who runs a small social media management agency called Geton Services. He provided us with invaluable guidance and helped us shape our brand on social media, making it more friendly and engaging.

In addition, we sought the expertise of Co.Jones, a local creative agency, to assist us in creating a slogan shirt and reformulating our logo. This collaboration allowed us to inject creativity and uniqueness into our brand, making it stand out in a crowded social media landscape. Have you seen the PaeY’all shirts?

We focused on creating content that resonates with our target audience, showcasing our Paellas, our commitment to quality, and our dedication to customer satisfaction. We also engaged with our followers regularly, responding to comments, messages, and inquiries promptly and building a genuine connection with our audience.

In terms of advice for those just starting to build their social media presence, I would emphasize the importance of authenticity, engagement, and collaboration. Be genuine in your content and interactions, and strive to build a meaningful connection with your audience. Respond to comments, messages, and inquiries promptly, and show appreciation for your followers’ support. Collaborate with experts in the industry, such as social media managers or creative agencies, to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to your brand. Finally, be consistent in your posting schedule and content quality, and be patient as building a social media presence takes time and effort

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Yes, there are several resources that have significantly impacted my entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy. Here are a few examples:

“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries: This book has greatly influenced my entrepreneurial mindset by emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation, rapid experimentation, and customer feedback in building successful startups. It has taught me the value of being adaptable, resilient, and customer-centric in the ever-changing business landscape.

I am also an avid consumer of TED Talks, they are a great source of inspiration and insights from various leaders and entrepreneurs. I have watched numerous TED Talks on topics ranging from leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and management, which have broadened my perspectives and shaped my thinking.

And our favorite, my wife’s and mine book: The memoir by the late chef Anthony Bourdain, “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly” with his candid behind-the-scenes look into the restaurant industry. It provides acuity into the challenges, dynamics, and realities of the culinary world, which are simply fascinating.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://paella1513.com
• Instagram: paella1513
• Facebook: Paella1513

Image Credits
Paella 153