Lisa Gutierrez: Cultivating a Successful Food Truck Empire

Inspiring Women with Betty Collins

I have an incredible guest, Lisa Gutierrez, who turned her and her husband's vision into a reality by launching a humble food truck business that would eventually become a local sensation. Lisa's story isn't just about entrepreneurship—it's about passion, resilience, and the tenacity to build something remarkable from the ground up. As a former manager at The Cheesecake Factory and through her husband's experiences with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Lisa brought a wealth of industry knowledge to their venture. However, their path wasn't paved with ease. Bootstrapping their way from a borrowed truck to a powerhouse with multiple locations and nearly a hundred employees, Lisa's tale is a masterclass in navigating the business landscape with determination and grace. From branding mishaps to challenges in securing capital, Lisa candidly shares the lessons she has learned and emphasizes the importance of building a solid team, understanding your "why," and the value of community involvement in business growth. Hear how Lisa's entrepreneurial drive and her commitment to her staff and community have made Dos Hermanos Taco Truck a thriving brand and a source of inspiration for all. The Power of Entrepreneurial Support Networks: "You know there's always someone in those organizations that you can reach out to. There's always information there and it's a safe place which I think is amazing."— Lisa Gutierrez Memorable Moments 00:00 Lessons learned in life shape giving back. 04:52 Overcame challenges, built successful thriving business. 06:26 Importance of understanding one's purpose and motivations. 13:40 Seeking surgeon's advice led to x-rays. 19:00 Unexpected burrito purchase due to bus issue. 21:32 Share advice and support others' growth. 24:12 Navigating uncertainty, small businesses demonstrate resilience. Top Takeaways 1. **Embrace Lessons Learned**: Recognizing the value of the lessons you've learned through your journey and sharing them with others can inspire and help them navigate similar situations. 2. **Seek Advice and Mentorship**: Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals and experts in your field can provide critical guidance and prevent common mistakes. 3. **Passion Drives Success**: Whether it's a passion for people, food, or service, finding your "why" is essential to staying motivated and overcoming obstacles in business. 4. **Challenges as Opportunities**: Facing and overcoming challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities, such as Lisa's commissary kitchen providing crucial food access to an underserved community during the pandemic. 5. **The Importance of Building Your Team Early**: Getting the right people in place, especially in finance and bookkeeping, is key to establishing a solid foundation for your business. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home. For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company. Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.