Meet Jacob White of Casa Grande

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob White.

Hi Jacob, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
So I come from a poor background growing up with 5 siblings. I only had a few clothes and vital necessities until I reached the age 15. I was able to start my first job at Wendy’s. From there, I worked that job until I was a high school junior. I loved it; it taught me a ton of customer service and what it took to run successfully in the food industry. I was an employee of the month my first month on the job and eventually was shift leader of the night crew. It was the only success story of my young teenage period. Once again, being from a poor background with far too many siblings. I didn’t get much opportunity to do anything that required money.

But this job I cherished; it was what I was very good at. It was the only thing that made me feel I was a part of something. Plus, I’ve always loved cooking food. Even as a child, I always helped my mother cook dinner. This job was my success story. As I got older, I could finally support myself and do things for myself financially. But unfortunately, at this point, I was graduating. So I had to grow up very fast as I didn’t have much support from my parents. So I, unfortunately, had to find a new job that would support my future financially. So I was drawn into sales. I started in car sales and did that for 6 years. It was an awesome career; I learned so much working with grown adults and being 18 years of age. I have struggled from time to time, of course. I didn’t have very much leadership as a child. So that naturally took its course with my financials, mental stability, and, most importantly, decision-making. From there, I transitioned into cellphone sales, the banking industry, back to the cellphone industry, then ended in the debt relief market throughout this sales career. Many struggles presented themselves, But I always managed to push through them. During that period, I met my current wife. We then started a family and have 3 children of our own now.

Throughout my sales career, I was promoted to store manager. However, this was one of the highest points in my working experience. It was also one of the most challenging parts of my life. I was always working and barely had time to breathe. So you can only imagine what stress this was on my wife and kids. Growing up the way I did, made me only want to provide our children with everything I didn’t have as a child. So I worked much harder to be the best provider I could for my family. But I caused a ton of stress as well. Kind of a double-edged sword there.

But we, of course, managed to push through this tough time. Which most would have crippled and torn them apart. I don’t have a quit bone in my body. Probably because of how I had to grow up. Tuff skin, strong will, massive effort, and the energy to push and push to become “Successful.” Or to what I thought was being successful. But having all the materialistic items in life doesn’t make you successful. But most will say it does; for me, it was the gratitude of being told, “Good Job,” as I didn’t get told that much throughout my childhood. I was pushing and pushing, getting tired and tired of working long hours. At this point, I was exhausted. I just knew there was something more for me and my family out there.

I was up late one night, as I always am a night owl. I was searching for business ideas and what would be a great business. Of course, all of your typical stuff popped up. Relator, Lawyer, Insurance agent, etc. But none of which interested me. So I was about to turn off the computer and go to sleep. I saw a YouTube video that said, “Hot Dogs Saved My Life.” So I said what the heck, clicked it, and started to watch it. A gentleman talked about losing everything and being on food stamps. He bought a hot dog cart and started selling hot dogs one pack after another, one bun after another. He just kept on marketing and selling till he was able to get back on his feet.

He now rents out hundreds of carts and builds food trailers. He also helps support others like me with all the information to get involved in the vendor business. It was the most inspiring video I have ever seen. So I started doing my research on this industry. And the best part of it all. I would be back in the food industry! I tried to go to culinary arts school during my senior year of high school. But of course, by this time was far too deep into work and making a living. So, unfortunately, I had to give up that dream. But this allowed me to get back into it on my terms.

So after a few more hours of watching videos and researching, I ran it by the wife. At first, she didn’t believe me. She thought it might be good for side money. But after further discussions and watching video after video. I brought it up to her again. She said, “Well, you will never know if you can do it unless you just go for it. Now, mind you, I would leave the workforce making 6 figures in most cases each year. To “hopefully” do that in this new industry. One can only imagine the overwhelming hesitation I had at this point. So I put it off and returned to work, fearing my failing and making matters worse. But I would think and talk about it for months after. Finally, one day I got off a long day at work and was exhausted! The wife tells me, babe, why don’t you try it and start slow? At this point, what do we have to lose?

So that’s what I did. I purchased my hot dog cart that weekend. This was in September 2019. I started my new journey, getting all my licensing, permits, and everything needed to start my new business. I couldn’t be happier at this point. But I can tell you this; I would not have made this move without my wife’s input and confidence in me to do it. She truly is the best thing that has come into my life. She encourages me to be the best man I can be. Janette Alcantar is her name. She is, to this day, my business partner in the business. So my first gig was set up for my friends and family. To get the bugs out and the kinks out of my process. And truly start my career in this industry. And it went so well; it was awesome to have their love and support. It told me what they thought, how it tasted, what I could do to tweak it to improve, etc. So I was ready! Ready to go out and do my first gig. But, of course, my day job still got in the way. So I could only do things on the weekends. So this continued till December; finally, I said let’s do this. So I set up the Christmas lights in Mesa at Natal Circle. So I did one weekend that I wasn’t working, and it was a huge success! I had Janette going back and forth to the stores bringing me more and more products because I was running out so fast.

The support was so big and great I did it the following day. And boy, was it even better than the last day. It was that weekend I knew I had something big! I had something I could call something to change the whole game for my family and me. So I started posting and advertising on social media about our business. From then on, it blew up to what it is today. We now have a food trailer and a hot dog cart. We also have potential franchises. We are still in the talks of it all, but we will see what will come of it all. It has been the best decision I have ever made to go into business to work for me and only me. And now, to be able to share this with my wife and business partner is that much better. I wish I had started this business 10 years ago. But I am glad I started, thanks to my wonderful wife. So that’s our journey, story, fight, and, most importantly, a new beginning.

Thank you!
Jake

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No! As stated in the last section, life itself. Work, family, marriage, etc.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We specialize in all types of food and catering. We are one of the only true hot dog vendors in the valley. There are others, but what sets us apart is we serve almost every dog you can think of and then some. We are known for our hot dogs, burgers, lemonade, and especially French fries. I am most proud of how far we have come in this industry. How much we have fought to be where we are today.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those just starting.
Learn the business side of it first! Taxes, inventory options, health department information, city codes. Because if you truly love food, the rest comes naturally.

Pricing:

• Lucrative

Contact Info:

• Website: bigjakesdogs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigjakesdogs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigJakesDogs/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/big-jakes-dogs-and-catering-chandler-3?osq=big+jakes

Image Credits
Janette Alcantar