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

Vincent, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

I’ve often reflected on this very question. I began my professional culinary journey at 45, later than many in this field. If I could go back, I do wish I had started this career path much sooner. I was in a completely different industry before turning my passion into AZC13 FOOD, LLC. While that experience had its merits, the fulfillment I’ve found in cooking is unparalleled. Had I started earlier, I would have had more time to refine my skills, establish myself in the industry, and perhaps explore different culinary avenues. Starting later, while still rewarding, has meant playing catch-up in some aspects. Looking back, I wish I had leaped sooner, but I’m grateful for where I am now.

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.

Hello, my name is Vincent Aguirre, and my story is one of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of making people happy—primarily through food. I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, a place that shaped my work ethic, my love for community, and my deep appreciation for great food. My journey into the culinary world started at home, watching my mother work magic in the kitchen. She managed to feed a family of 13 with love, creativity, and resilience, making every meal feel like a feast, no matter how little we had. She is my greatest inspiration, and I carry her spirit in everything I do.

For 16 years, I built and ran a successful trucking company, Reload Transportation Services, LLC, from the ground up. The transportation industry taught me discipline, problem-solving, and how to scale a business. But deep down, I knew my true calling was in the kitchen. So, after selling my company, I decided to take my passion for cooking to the next level, going from feeding my loved ones to feeding thousands. To refine my craft, I attended Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, where I graduated with high honors, further solidifying my expertise and commitment to the culinary world.

I became a chef on CookUnity.com, and I am also on another meal platform called Cookin.com, where I own and run The Seasoned Spoon, offering handcrafted meals that bring comfort, nostalgia, and bold flavors straight to people’s homes. I aim to bring restaurant-quality meals to busy individuals and families, helping them enjoy real, chef-made food without sacrificing quality or taste.

What sets me apart? I cook with heart. Every dish I create is deeply rooted in experience—whether it’s my South Side upbringing, my love for American comfort food, or my passion for global flavors. I specialize in world cuisine, barbecue, and healthier takes on classic dishes, always making sure my food is both flavorful and nourishing. My CookUnity menu is expanding, and by 2026, I aim to have my meals available in every market they serve. Beyond that, I also run a catering business where I provide event catering, private dinners, and meal prep for clients who want high-quality, chef-prepared meals in their homes or on special occasions.

But food isn’t just business to me—it’s how I give back. My siblings and I have run the “Share the Magic” toy drive every year since 2009 in honor of our mother, Barbara Yvonne Aguirre. She always made Christmas magical for us, no matter how hard times were, so now we collect toys for children’s hospitals across Chicagoland to spread that magic. In addition to that, I love cooking for charity, making meals for those in need, and finding ways to use my culinary skills to help others.

When I’m not in the kitchen, I’m on two wheels. I ride my motorcycle every chance I get and am a proud associate member of a professional firefighters’ motorcycle club, the “Axemen MC.” (No, I’m not a firefighter—I’m not that brave! But I deeply respect those who are, and I’m honored to ride alongside them.) Riding gives me the same thrill as cooking—freedom, creativity, and the joy of sharing something I love with others.

At the end of the day, everything I do comes back to family, community, and making people happy through food. Whether it’s crafting a meal that reminds someone of home, feeding a busy family, or giving back to those in need, I pour my heart into every plate. If you support my journey, you’re not just getting great food—you’re supporting a mission to bring people together, one bite at a time.

So, if you’re looking for chef-crafted meals with soul, whether for your weekly meal prep, a private event, or just because you love great food, I invite you to try what I have to offer. Because for me, cooking isn’t just a career—it’s who I am.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

For 16 years, I built and ran Reload Transportation Services, LLC, a trucking company I poured my heart and soul into. The business was successful, and I had established myself as a leader in the industry. But deep down, I knew my true passion had always been cooking. The thought of walking away from a stable career to chase a dream was daunting, but I also knew that if I didn’t take the leap, I’d regret it forever.

The challenge? I couldn’t just drop everything to start over. I still had a company to run, employees to take care of, and a household to support. On top of that, my 97-year-old father, a proud WWII veteran, lives with me, and I am his primary caregiver. I wasn’t about to put my responsibilities on hold for a personal goal. So, instead of choosing between duty and passion, I committed to doing it all.

I enrolled in Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts while operating Reload Transportation full-time. My days started before the sun came up, handling logistics, managing drivers, and keeping the business running. When I wasn’t at my desk, I was in the kitchen, running side catering jobs, gaining hands-on experience, and refining my craft. Late nights were spent studying recipes, perfecting techniques, and completing my coursework. It wasn’t easy, but I graduated with high honors, proving to myself that I had what it took to take this next step in my life.

But resilience isn’t just about pushing forward in your own career—it’s about showing up for the people and causes that matter to you. Even with my schedule packed, I never let go of the things that made me who I am. I remained committed to my motorcycle club, Axemen MC, raising money for Chicago Firefighter charities through rides and events. These men put their lives on the line for us, and being able to support their cause through my passion for riding has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

The transition from trucking to food wasn’t smooth sailing. After selling Reload Transportation and launching The Seasoned Spoon on CookUnity.com, I faced my fair share of setbacks. At one point, a technical glitch on the platform caused my meals to be unavailable for weeks, putting my growing customer base at risk. But instead of getting discouraged, I did what I’ve always done—I found a way forward. I connected with my customers, kept them engaged, and made sure they knew I was still here, still cooking, still ready to serve. When the issue was fixed, my loyal customers returned stronger than ever.

Now, I’ve expanded my brand, launching on Cookin.com, growing my catering business, and aiming to have my meals available in every CookUnity market by 2026. Every challenge—whether running a business while going to school, taking care of my father, balancing my charity work, or rebuilding after a setback—has only made me stronger.
Resilience isn’t about having it easy. It’s about refusing to quit no matter how hard things get. It’s about proving to yourself, day in and day out, that you are capable of more than you ever imagined. And for me, every challenge, every sacrifice, and every long night has been worth it—because I am doing what I love, and I’m bringing people together through food.

Conversations about M&A are often focused on multibillion dollar transactions – but M&A can be an important part of a small or medium business owner’s journey. We’d love to hear about your experience with selling businesses.

Yes, I have sold a business. For 16 years, I built and operated Reload Transportation Services, LLC, a successful trucking company that I started from the ground up. It was a hard-earned success, requiring long hours, strategic planning, and the ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of logistics and transportation.

Over the years, I scaled the company, managed a team, and built strong relationships within the industry. But despite my accomplishments, I knew that my true passion was in food. Deciding to sell the company was one of the most significant and most difficult decisions I’ve ever made. Walking away from something I had built from nothing was not easy, but I knew that in order to fully commit to my culinary dreams, I needed to let go of the past to embrace the future.

Lessons for Entrepreneurs Looking to Sell Their Business:

Build Your Business with an Exit Strategy in Mind: Even if you don’t think you’ll sell your business, you should always run it as if you will someday. This means keeping clean financial records, creating efficient systems, and making sure the business can operate without you. A business that is too dependent on its owner is much harder to sell.

Know Your Numbers Inside and Out:

When it came time to sell, I had to be prepared with financial statements, profit margins, client contracts, and operational costs. Buyers will want clarity and transparency, so if you’re not tracking your revenue, expenses, and projections properly, now is the time to start.

The Right Buyer Matters:

I wasn’t just looking for any buyer—I wanted someone who would respect the work I put in and take care of the employees who had been with me for years. Selling a business isn’t just about cashing out—it’s about ensuring that what you built continues to thrive. You Will Have Doubts—But Trust the Process The moment I signed the papers, I felt a wave of emotions—excitement, fear, and even grief. It’s normal to question whether you made the right decision, but if you’ve put in the work and you’re selling for the right reasons, trust yourself.

Know What You’re Moving Toward:

Selling a business isn’t just about walking away—it’s about walking toward something greater. For me, that was a full-time culinary career, Becoming a chef on CookUnity.com and then launching The Seasoned Spoon on Cookin.com and expanding into and catering. If you’re planning to sell, make sure you have a clear vision of what’s next so that your momentum doesn’t stop.

My Final Thoughts Or Advice:

If you’re an entrepreneur thinking about selling your business, my advice is simple: Plan ahead, know your worth, and make sure you’re moving toward something that truly fulfills you. Success isn’t just about what you build—it’s about having the courage to evolve and create a future that aligns with your passion and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chefvincentgerard.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefvincentgerard/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559403779482
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-aguirre-50146010/
• Other: https://www.cookunity.com/chefs/vincent-gerard?srsltid=AfmBOorWyFwD71rAFnantMQEQQdTY3IebUiACooGUpGMMUK46TW4hIPU&fbclid=IwY2xjawI-zdFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHb7CaXCQxiUlDuXPGMMu_cW0QiiW7W2_LSUszp0bgmVdOGN_NXAi7VB4hw_aem_a6IMSamn2iMdg1XdF5j5Jg

  https://cookin.com/cooks/the-seasoned-spoon

Image Credits

The images are all mine. I have all rights.