Wednesday, February 17, 2010

It's Called Dedication

How do you start a start-up company when you already have full-time lives?

It's Called Dedication...

Tim: Pilot. Aircraft Mechanic. Church Leader. Daddy. Tortilla Maker.
He's finally flying again...A LOT! I think he said he's flown 24 out of 30 days or something ridiculous. When he's not flying, the planes always seem to need some sort of repair. It's normal for him to be in the shop till midnight. Then, there are the church commitments, and people always over at the house. It's something he enjoys, and it's wonderful. So, is there time left for tortillas? Well, funny thing. He not only can create tortillas, he has this uncanny ability to create time.

Brenda: Nutritionist with 3 part time jobs (does that math even add up? I thought part-time is assumed to be a 1/2 deal). Business owner. Flight Attendant. The glue that holds the family together (that's a full-time commitment in itself). She's been in Salt Lake since February 1, in Flight Attendant training. Tim and I feel a little lost without her. She's shining, getting 100 percents on all her tests. She has 10-12 hour days, and she stays up late every night studying. Graduation is next week. Way to go Mom!

Me: Flight Attendant. Figuring out life (does that count as a full-time commitment?) I'm the one out of the team that has time on my hands, stuck in LA. A great place to be stuck: 75 degree days in February, 2 steps from the beach. I have my road bike, my beach cruiser, my books, and my cell phone always by my side, just in case "they" call. That call, to fly, only happens 4 times a month. Pretty nice, huh? Getting paid for hanging out at the beach. My challenge, is deciding when and how I will dedicate more of my time to tortillas.

This is how 100 percent Dad, Mom and I are behind this company...

It's called dedication when Brenda drives 2.5 hours, leaving at 4am, to get to Redondo so she can help me with Farmer's Market, so I don't have to run the booth alone. And, she worked at the hospital the night before till 11p.

It's called dedication when Tim flys all day, wakes up at 2am, drives down to Redondo to help with the market, and LOVES every minute of being there. And, every time, he even makes me a lunch. (Can I here an Ahhhhh?)

It's called dedication when we approach a potential market and we're told, "There's no space." So, we go back. And we go back. We go back until they say yes.

It's called dedication when people say they don't want to sample a tortilla, and we say, "They're really good!!!" They change their mind to a purchase.

It's called dedication when David takes his time to run the production operation.

It's called dedication when Tim has to fly at 4am, but stays up till 1am because he has to set up the recipe, mill the flour, and make sure that David and I will be able to handle production without him.

Seeing my Dad so incredibly enthusiastic about this company, even through hiccups and stress, is inspiring and motivating. Seeing my mom sacrificing her time to help us grow is an affirmation. Our team is crucial to our success. It's about being dedicated together, encouraging, supporting, and making sacrifices. We know it's worth the dedication.


Small Beginnings

3 comments:

Tim Vigil said...

You guys rock! Continued good luck for the days ahead. Tim & Linda

Artillery said...

Kara this is so cool! I can't wait to come home and buy some. I miss Mexican food but I miss you even more:) I'm so proud of you.

Dave said...

This is really cool Kara. Love to check out these tortillas!