Listen more. The younger version of me would often fail to take the advice of those with more experience. I’m not saying every entrepreneur should take all advice, but sometimes an outside voice can be important.
William Bronchick has been an integral part of the culinary landscape of Denver, Colorado for more than 20 years as both a private chef and food blogger. Now one of the leading caterers in the U.S., Brinchick brings his own version of classic American cuisine to the private homes of his clients and to major events. Over the course of the last decade, the chef has become a popular option for charities, celebrities, and Fortune 500 companies looking to cater to stunning events. Bill Bronchick is now known for his amazing skills as one of the most famous chefs in the U.S.
Following in the footsteps of many other important U.S. chefs, William Bronchick has recently become a popular food blogger. Bronchick has become an important voice in modern American cuisine through his blog. Following in the footsteps of his fellow culinary traveler, Anthony Bourdain, Bronchick is a fully-trained chef who travels the world looking for the best in different cultures. Bronchick graduated from the Culinary Institute of America before embarking on a culinary tour of the world to expand his knowledge and love of food.
Where did the idea for your catering and private chef company come from?
After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, I worked in many kitchens and learned so much from the chefs I worked with. I simply felt the daily routine of running a kitchen was not for me. I enjoy traveling and meeting new people so working as a private chef and caterer seemed the perfect option.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
There isn’t a normal day for me because of the nature of my business. When I am home in Denver, I spend a lot of time answering emails and preparing for any events on the calendar. After waking early, around six, I usually take a hike through the hills close to my home and take in some nature. Later on, I will respond to messages and try to find suppliers for the menu’s I may be planning. By the afternoon, I usually look to work on my food blog which is becoming more important to me all the time.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I’ll give you an example. Recently, I worked with a client who wanted an Asian inspired menu for an event. I looked back through my notebooks and found the ingredients and recipes I had found on a recent trip through Vietnam and an older trip to Korea. I made a few dishes and got some feedback about what the client liked before working to create my version of these classic local dishes.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I am not one to follow food trends as I think we should appreciate good food all the time. If I had to name something, I would say the recent rise in classic American barbecue. When cooked correctly, this is one of the best meals anybody could serve me.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Knowing when to put aside my stubborn streak and take advice. I’m 38 now and I have been in this business for 20 years, but it is only recently I have learned to listen to the advice of others.
What advice would you give your younger self?
To listen more. The younger version of me would often fail to take the advice of those with more experience. I’m not saying every entrepreneur should take all advice, but sometimes an outside voice can be important.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
The most expensive restaurants are not always the best. Most chefs head for lower-priced eateries after finishing work and looking for a good meal.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Keep a close eye on your finances. Too many entrepreneurs take financial advice from a manager or accountant blindly and fail to know exactly what their financial situation is. I have seen this many times in the restaurant business, and it has cost the career of many fine chefs.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Making sure I have a skilled staff around me. When I was developing my catering team, I made sure to find a good mix of experience and youth to drive us forward. The same is true of my food blog which has allowed me to work with some wonderful up and coming photographers and web designers.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I considered opening my restaurant a few years ago, but it wasn’t meant to be. When the funding for the restaurant fell through, I decided to concentrate on traveling and building my knowledge of global cuisine. Learning from a setback but moving on quickly is vital as an entrepreneur.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A single network of the best food blogs and recipes Online would be a great business idea.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Buying a new coffee grinder for my home in Denver was a great buy for less than $100. A cup of freshly brewed coffee in the morning or after a good meal is a pleasure, in my opinion. Finding an excellent organic Guatemalan coffee bean made this an exciting purchase for me.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use Dropbox a lot for my blog and to discuss menu ideas with my team. Giving everybody the chance to read and edit my work quickly and efficiently is perfect for the fast pace of modern life.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Recently, I purchased Marco Pierre White’s “White Heat 25” and was taken on an amazing trip back to my early days as a chef. This book was a career-changing read for me with the British chef showed classic recipes do not have to be boring. Taking a classic idea and giving it a modern twist or personal signature is possible in any business.
What is your favorite quote?
The late, great Anthony Bourdain once said, “I’m not afraid to look like an idiot.” As an entrepreneur or creative person, you should never be afraid of looking foolish.
Key Learnings:
• William Bronchick is a chef and entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience
• Bronchick admires many chefs including Marco Pierre White and Anthony Bourdain
• The chef has a great love of traveling
• Bill Bronchick believes classic ideas can be the basis for a modern business
Connect:
BillBronchick.com
WilliamBronchickFood.com
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.