Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ronneil Ramlal, President of Protein Chefs Inc., located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Meal prep company - Small local business based in Toronto, Protein Chefs Inc. was founded in 2015 with a vision to provide high-quality, nutritious meals to the residents of Ontario using simple, fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The company started when meal prep was a new culture and an upcoming trend our society needed as people's lives became busier with little or no time to prepare healthy meals.
Tell us about yourself
I am a highly motivated individual who has a zest for life. I am recognized as a hands-on Entrepreneur with strong problem-solving skills who can inaugurate change and execute new processes in challenging environments. I moved from Trinidad to Canada in 2006 and graduated in 2009 with a degree in Business Management. Prior to opening Protein Chefs, I worked at UPS Canada as a Front-Line Operations Supervisor for four years, as well as working in retail management at the same time.
My passion and love for fitness started ten years ago, and I have not looked back since! My wife Yuvika and I started Protein Chefs Inc. in 2015 with the idea to help people change their lives just by incorporating healthy meals into their diet day to day. I believe nutritious meals can help transform not only our bodies but also our mind and emotions. My desire to succeed, resilient work ethic, hard work, determination, and drive motivates everyone at Protein Chefs.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Started the business from scratch without any financial help. I started Protein Chefs with $2,500 in my account and invested $900 into the website, hired a chef at $18/hr., and rented kitchen hourly at $12/hr in 2015. It was only a matter of time till the account was in overdraft. Although I feel more accomplished by making something from nothing, I know that this was not the ideal way, as it brought about lots of stress, sacrifice, and slow growth. Moving into our 5000 sq. facility in 2020. Reaching sales of 1.7 Million in 2021 and on track to reaching 2 Million in 2022. Working remotely. Financial freedom.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Stress. Balancing work and personal life. Sacrifice. There are no "off" hours. Problems arise at any time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Ensure you have enough capital to reinvest for steady growth. (don't do as I did).
- Always believe in yourself and your goals. If you truly believe you will achieve that goal, then you are already halfway there.
- Never underestimate yourself. Only you know your potential and capabilities. Never give up hope, and if you are consistent, it will only be a matter of time till you become successful.
- Keep being innovative and keep up with current trends.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://proteinchefs.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proteinchefs/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proteinchefs/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/proteinchefs
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/protein-chefs-inc/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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