Ray Tawil is the founder of PREPT by Ray T, a hospitality business based out of Brooklyn specializing in high-end catering, events, and food delivery.
In this episode, Ray opens up about what it's really like to run a hospitality company–and it's not what you think.
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SPONSORS:
• Yazdi Entertainment, New York's premiere event production company. https://www.instagram.com/yazdi_entertainment/
yazdientertainment@gmail.com or (646) 765-5643
• Kosher Media, the #1 advertising network for Jewish communities worldwide: https://koshermedia.com
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ABOUT MOMENTUM:
🎙️ Momentum brings you the stories, advice, and wisdom of business visionaries, designed to inspire and guide you on your path to success.Be sure to subscribe on all platforms:
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GEAR:
• Cameras: https://amzn.to/3UuwW5o
• Podcast Mics: https://amzn.to/3J5QWsv
• Clip-on Mics: https://amzn.to/3H52iwo
• Mic Stands: https://amzn.to/4kZj4uL
• Lights: https://amzn.to/45lA5up
• Tripods: https://amzn.to/4lHHQAI
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(0:00) Coming up...
(1:29) Ray T's catering/cooking accomplishments
(1:54) Starting a BBQing business at age 12
(3:42) Working at a restaurant
(4:24) Going to the #1 culinary school in the country
(6:35) State-of-the-art equipment in college
(7:48) What's culinary school like as a religious jew?
(9:51) Dealing with the prohibition of mixing meat and milk
(10:28) Were you concerned you wouldn't make money as a chef?
(12:30) What motivated you to start a business at 12 years old?
(13:54) Being different
(15:47) "Love what you do"
(17:30) Studying in culinary school for 4 years instead of 2
(18:50) Why pursue a 2nd degree in food science?
(20:14) Ray's parents' nuanced approach to education
(20:31) Yazdi Entertainment
(21:31) Expanding his business after college
(23:11) How to grow past the 1-man-band stage
(24:27) What it's really like to grow a business: skipping parties, sleepless nights
(26:18) "I was 2 weeks away from closing my doors"
(28:01) Being goal-oriented
(28:34) Turning himself into a high-line brand
(30:14) How do you scale a brand that requires YOU?
(32:28) Ray T's daily routine
(34:28) The 3 arms of Ray T's business
(35:49) Catering an event with Donald Trump
(41:54) Kosher Media
(42:41) Getting into catering trips (i.e. Passover, vacations)
(45:50) BBQing his 1st trip
(48:55) Opening up about how his business almost went bankrupt
(49:52) Ray T's marketing
(50:41) Increasing customer awareness through marketing
(51:24) The origins of "ooh ooh ooh"
(52:35) The moment he realized he may have to shut down the business
(55:28) Balancing business and family
(57:10) Work-life balance on vacation
(58:34) Advice to teenagers reluctant to pursue their passion
(1:00:00) Should people chase their passion?
(1:01:40) Momentum Moment
(1:03:29) Takeaway #1: say yes now, figure it out later
(1:04:09) Takeaway #2: be smart about following your passion
(1:04:31) Takeaway #3: diversify your income streams
(1:04:50) Outro
