We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shannon Gruber a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shannon, appreciate you joining us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?
My neighbors… Jen and Kara!
I live in a small, beautiful waterfront community, where everyone looks out for each other. The type of place where you feel welcomed and safe. Little did I know, when I moved here, there were actual angels watching out!
It was a little over a year ago… I was building out my second restaurant kitchen and working on opening. At the same time, yacht catering was really gearing up and funding this build out. Working day and night, pulling in whatever help I could get to keep this restaurant dream alive, I was failing. One day, exhausted and drowning in this deal I had made, I took my paddle board, anchored out, laid there in contemplation on what I was going to do next.
Upon my arrival back at our dock, with no real answer, I met Jen and Kara. Two amazing women who live facing the water and must have watched me in my catatonic state. These ladies asked me, “what is going on?” They could tell I did not have my normal bubbly demeanor. I told them my dilemma… I was struggling hard and they were sympathetic to my situation.
They then told me how they loved watching me be an independent parent and entrepreneur, working countless hours and still cooking dinner for my daughter every night (we have a community grill so everyone knows what and when I’m cooking). They then disclosed that they wanted to help me as once they were helped by an angel themselves and wanted to “pay it forward”. (I’m literally crying right now)
They gave me a check, on the spot, with the funds I needed.. (All the tears…)
This love and recognition gave me the strength to keep going. (Sniff)
I did, quickly thereafter, pivot back to my original kitchen and began to focus on what really makes me happy (high end hospitality).
With all of the ups and downs and people who have helped me along the way, I cannot and will not ever forget the random kindness of my amazing neighbors. Now that I have found my path, I have been able to pay it forward myself and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
Thank you ladies for believing in me! You revived me and hopefully know what an impact you’ve made. Cheers!
Shannon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hello my name is Shannon and I am a service industry person. I have a hospitality addiction and I just can’t stop. Natural people pleaser and trained by some of the best St. Pete has to offer, I can, with my team, create magical experiences for guests. It truly blows my mind blowing other people’s minds and at the same time allowing my team to visualize their best, blowing your mind isn’t it?
Toasted Associates is a combination of a few more than stellar components. We are a full service land and sea catering company.
Yachts, Mansions, Private Venues Oh My… We do it all: private yacht and in-home catering, large events, bar service, decor, floral arrangements etc… for all occasions, Our team of Chefs, Sales and Decor have been exciting the Tampa Bay area and keeping us very busy, to say the least.
Above everything, I am most proud that I have created a company that can support myself and my family as well as multiple others. Keeping the dream alive helps the whole and creates wellness within.
Cliche yes, but I’d like everyone to know, work hard and don’t give up. Surround yourself with people of like-minded goals and take advice from your elders.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I can. Complacent is what I was, living in an historic bungalow at the beach, happily working behind a bar 10-4, dinner by sunset every night, relaxing in a hammock by our dock while my daughter laughed and played in our luscious manicured yard. I truly believe this was my heaven on earth. It was by some form of magic that I ended up there when, just prior, I had decided to move to the beach. All of this was disrupted by an injury, stolen car and sudden displacement. I felt my whole world crashing. I remember my daughter and I both crying as she had to walk herself to the bus stop for the first time because I had no car and couldn’t make it on crutches. Independent and optimistic and are words used to describe me but I was neither during this time and basically hospitality was all I knew.
Dad came to pick me up to take me for an X-Ray and after discussing my options he asked if I wanted to work for him, configuring cash cassettes for ATM machines. No hesitation was made when I said yes, as my finances came to an immediate halt and I was desperate. I didn’t have a clue what I had even said yes to.
Sitting in front of endless stacks of cash cassettes with my tools, I decided I had no choice but to be successful. I didn’t know how exactly but I knew I couldn’t go back to work in a restaurant and I never wanted to be so helpless again.
I finished those cassettes so fast and was on to the next project and the next until I could set up the whole ATM, including installing cameras. This time in the warehouse is when I really started believing that I could do anything.
When I started healing and I started cooking! My dad has been providing lunch for his team since forever. Either himself or one of the guys/gals here at the office would make lunch for everyone and we all enjoy together. With business booming, lunch suffered and we would order in and with fried chicken and pizza on the menu, so were our waistlines. So, the next two years, I would make a menu, provision on Monday mornings and make lunch for the week. It was during this time I had my “Aha moment”. Catering for boats… and that’s a whole new story!
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Ensure your teammates remember the dream…
Show up everyday with a smile on your face and remind them why we keep striving.
If you are lucky enough to have a cohesive team you know their individual strengths.
Pay attention. Pivot. Keep them excited about the future.
Listen and be fair.
Make Money and Be A Nice Guy
(My Grandfather told my Dad and my Dad told me, but we say Gal)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.toastedassociates.com
- Instagram: toasted associates
- Facebook: Toasted
Image Credits
Mariel Gallager