S2E25 - Grills, Grit, and Growth: Charlie Eblen's Recipe for Business Expansion

Episode Notes

Amid the pandemic, Charlie Eblen boldly initiated Single Tree Wood Fire BBQ, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. The name 'Singletree' was chosen to commemorate his grandfather, a multifaceted individual: a 27-year Army veteran, an attorney, a federal judge, and a leader in both the Four-H Club and the Masons. For Eblen, 'Singletree' not only honors his grandfather's legacy of service and leadership but also captures the essence of the farm that played a pivotal role in his personal growth. He also discusses the challenges of starting a restaurant from the ground up and underscores the importance of establishing a solid reputation through quality and hospitality. Charlie also highlights the significance of storytelling and leveraging social media to engage with customers and expand the brand. He shares insightful lessons learned and underscores the transformative role of technology in the hospitality sector.

Additionally, Charlie Eblen shares his journey of building a brand and impacting the community. Charlie and his team at Singletree Barbecue support the community through initiatives like can drive for homeless children and a nonprofit organization that prevents veteran suicide. They also prioritize youth sports and believe in the power of coaches and discipline in shaping a person's character. Charlie emphasizes the importance of telling your story and advises that everything you do is content. He encourages authenticity and shares practical tips for overcoming video editing challenges. Ultimately, Charlie's goal is to make his family proud and create a positive impact on the community.

Takeaways:

• Focus on building a strong reputation by delivering high-quality products and exceptional hospitality.
• Tell your story and use social media to connect with customers and grow your brand.
• Embrace technology and leverage its power to improve operations and enhance the guest experience.
• Be prepared to work hard and make sacrifices as an entrepreneur, but stay committed to your vision and goals. Building a brand should be driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the community.
• Supporting the community can take various forms, such as organizing can drives for homeless children and preventing veteran suicide.
• Youth sports and the right coaches can play a significant role in shaping a person's character.
• Telling your story is essential, and everything you do can be turned into content.
• Authenticity is key in content creation, and it's okay if your videos are not perfect.
• Prioritize personal success by focusing on what truly matters, such as family and making a positive impact on the community.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Background 04:10 - Job loss led to entrepreneurial realization in crisis. 09:49 - Juggling multiple business tasks, learning new challenges. 10:42 - Learning the challenges of opening a business. 14:54 - Navigating sales targets with a focus on quality. 18:41 - Driven by passion for hospitality and barbecue. 22:11 - Keeping up with family on social media. 23:10 - Embracing social media improved hospitality industry outreach. 29:18 - First weekend away, son's baseball tournament stress. 31:35 - Admiration for impact on veteran and local community. 36:33 - Supporting veterans, aiding their transition, fundraising events. 37:41 - Choosing impactful coaches for kids' sports is important. 42:43 - Switching mentality, finding joy in family time. 46:34 - Expresses appreciation for toast and marketing collaboration. 47:46 - Closing Remarks