Steve,
I have been in the aviation industry for the last 21 years and had climbed the so called corporate ladder to Executive Vice President of Sales.
I bought my cart back in March of 2010 after reading your book Carts of Cash and listening to the audio disk several times. I bought it with the intentions of doing weekend festivals and fairs.
The current economy has hurt the aviation industry pretty hard so I started to think about changing careers from the aviation side to selling hot dogs.
Then my wife was robbed at her bridal shop on a Friday. Monday morning I turned in my resignation to my boss and told her why I was making this decision. She asked if we could talk about it and we did.
So now I sell hot dogs during the day from 10 to 3 in front of my wife’s bridal shop which happens to be located on a very busy intersection. Then I go into my office and work from 3:30 to 6:30.
I am having the time of my life selling hot dogs and meeting great people.
Now I get to be close to my wife and kids during the week (not just the weekends) and make a pretty good living while slinging dogs.
I’m having a blast in NC.
Robert Kamsch
****************************
Way to go Robert. I admire a man who goes to bat for his family. Having a blast while doing it is icing on the cake!
-Steve
Mike
// Aug 12, 2010 at 12:18 am
There is money in dogs, and security. Self employment is the only way to go, especially now a days.
Cindy
// Aug 12, 2010 at 12:49 am
Robert, what an amazing story. You seem to have what is the best of all three worlds…your hot dogs, being close to your wife and a job you still must enjoy. (Not sure if I have things in the right order or not! hahaha!)
Congratulations!
Philip Burkhardt
// Aug 12, 2010 at 7:12 am
Robert. What a great story. I am kinda in the same situation as you. Worked in industry for almost thirty years. Not getting thing out of it. Starting my cart buisness this month in a great location among kids and families at a sport complex. Can’t wait. God, my family and hot dogs are my life now!
Hot Dog Heroes
// Aug 12, 2010 at 10:38 am
Robert,
Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to pull the pin and start over. Good for you in your courage and resolve.
I’m not going to say good luck because luck has nothing to do with this business.
The harder I work and the more I focus, the luckier I get.
I officially launched Hot Dog Heroes on June 21, 2010 and I’ve already made enough to buy another unit, a huge grilling cart.
Welcome to the exciting world of hotdoggery!
Larry
// Aug 12, 2010 at 11:19 am
That’s really great! I have a new question. Has anybody hooked up a solar panel to there cart?
You could run all of your electric, and even have a small fridge. I’m also thinking about make the cart a mobile wi-fi spot.
steve
// Aug 12, 2010 at 1:11 pm
“The harder I work the luckier I get.”
I love it!!
-Steve
Jeff w w
// Aug 12, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Nothing but true wisdom here!!!!!!!
Craig
// Aug 12, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Desparatly trying to get into the Hot Dog Business. I’ve secured a location, a Commisary and put together a nice menu. The only problem is that I don’t have the money to start. Now what?
clark faux
// Aug 12, 2010 at 5:43 pm
yes i hope i wellbe starting my hotdog cart soon as well i already now it well do good. no i haveent hooked up soler to my cart yet but plan to becouse i well be running a elc cooler on mine so i can sell a littel more then hotdogs if posable.
Robert Kamsch
// Aug 12, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Thanks for the great words of encouragement. I wish I would have started my hotdog business 15 years ago.
Steve
// Aug 13, 2010 at 3:38 pm
How do you clean your cart and get to work in a half hour?
Lucky Dawg
// Aug 13, 2010 at 5:58 pm
It really is a respectable way to make a living. I see people everyday who tell me they wish they were doing what I do. I still work another job from 2-10am and sometimes it is tough to go out.
I have a relationship with many regular customers and feel bad if I have to miss a day.
I know someday that I will only do this and I look forward to that.
Sell a million!
Jokey D's (Michael)
// Aug 13, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Way to Go!! Take control of your life and be happy! Family Time is what its all about for me too! And….. The moneys not bad either!! lol
kevin
// Aug 25, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Hey steve, remember me? i was the guy you sent the free book to when in Iraq, well i did the hot dog thing when i got back, of course i live in southern cal and it took some doing but it worked out well. I was thinking about turning a pop up camper trailer into a cart what do you think? i thought i saw an article on your site about this, but im not sure, anyway, thanks for the intiial start i will never look back, even my slow days are good, “hot dogs rule” take care Kevin.