About this project
We are attempting to build a full service food truck here in Michigan. What makes our project unique is the story behind it and the benefits the project has had on our lives. I lost my eye in Iraq Memorial weekend 2004 and have been struggling with PTSD and depression since being medically discharged. This project has not only ignited a new passion for life, but has gotten us involved with the community, and hopefully will put us in a position to help others dealing with similar issues as the wars wind down and other veterans return.
We were on a roll working with the VA and have purchased the box truck itself with a small business loan, since the VA will not buy any sort of vehicle when trying to help a veteran with self employment or college in VOCREHAB. The plan was for us to get the vehicle and the VA to help purchase and retrofit the necessary equipment. But due to budget cuts the chances of this are off the table. Hence our Kickstarter Campaign that friends family and community have supported us in launching. Here are some of the nitty gritty details and plans for our company.
As you can see we have very detailed and professional plans all ready to go, with only funding holding us back. Below you will see the cost breakdown of the build out. Remember, this does not include Sales Tax.
So, after cost of retrofit of the kitchen, Sales Tax, Amazons Processing Fee, and the awards to be given to our contributors, $50,000 is the magic number. We have exhausted our funding options with the purchase of the truck itself and are asking for the minimum to get the kitchen built. If the community supports and we surpass the goal, we will be able to get the exterior art completed as well. Here is an evolution of our exterior concepts and what it may look like once completed.
This was our initial plan, but as the project grew and we received more feed back we connected with a Graphic Designer (NR Creative) who helped us build a logo and more professional truck theme.
These are all super- imposed images, as it stands now the truck is just white. As the project moves forward, please leave us your thoughts and ideas on the trucks appearance.
Once again from my family and me, Thank you so much for taking the time to support and share in our dream.
Special Thanks to Sonny & Cindy Owners of Hogzilla BBQ restaurants and catering, and the locations of my commissary. Locations in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Michigan. Without the support and knowldge they have given me the last two years, none of this would be possible.
To Kevin Romeo, Angel, and the rest of the Rhino Media Crew. Without them I would not be able to get my story heard. Their work is outstanding.(Produced Video)
And NR Creative for helping me build a logo and image for the business that I can be proud of.
And Sprout Urban Farms of Battle Creek, For consulting and general community support and networking.
Risks and challenges
With any project of this scale there are risk of delays and unforeseen issues. But with the partnership with my commissary; a ten year established restaurant, and vetted food truck building team. Any hiccups should be trivial and not delay the fulfillment of your rewards and timing of the trucks arrival. If fully funded the truck will begin its retrofit within a week with a build window of three - four weeks. Once fully fitted, the truck will undergo licensing and inspections by the health department. This should take another week or two. In all, the truck should be serving delicious meals late July / early August of 2014.
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Funding period
- (37 days)