Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard “Reach” Guinto.
Richard “Reach”, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was in the real estate and corporate world all of my 20’s. At the age of 29, I started contributing content to a popular streetwear company, who then promoted me to Editor-In-Chief of their site. It was at this point that I knew I had to pursue my passions and take advantage of this unique opportunity. I was laid off from my corporate job around this time, too, which kickstarted my intent to wholeheartedly pursue my passions in writing, content curation, and content creation. My time at the streetwear brand lead me to becoming Managing Editor at a hip-hop/streetwear fashion-focused online publication, where I really felt the most growth.
After several years there, I braved the deep freelancing waters until I couldn’t anymore (it’s a challenging route, props to those flourishing as freelancers!), prompting me to jump from job to job just to support myself and my dream. During this time, I really questioned if I should keep going in this career direction, until one day the folks at Foodbeast, who I befriended and connected with along the way, asked me to be their Managing Editor. It’s been four years since then and I’ve been able to fulfill so many career goals and dreams and experienced countless memories and continued growth with an amazing team at Foodbeast.
I remember once posting a Facebook status a number of years ago saying, “Whatever it is that Anthony Bourdain does, I want to do.” Fast forward to now and being at Foodbeast has helped me tell all kinds of amazing stories while traveling the world and experiencing numerous cultures through their cuisine. It’s so crucial to be able to connect with others through food, all of which hinges on the manifestation of wanting to follow Bourdain’s similar path.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Leaving the security of a corporate job that paid well was definitely a thought I had to give pause to, knowing the uncertainty that pursuing my dreams presented. Beyond that, there were many nights filled with self-doubt and questions on whether I did choose the right career path or not. And to be honest, I almost gave up on the dream several times, especially during the period of freelancing and jumping from one random job to the next.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Foodbeast – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’m the managing editor at Foodbeast and also host or take part in various programming like News Bites video segments as well as my own show, Taste the Details. What I’m most proud of here at Foodbeast is our diverse staff that all work together to create fun, meaningful food content as well as highlight all kinds of restaurants, individuals, and everything in between. Helping restaurants of all kinds is so fulfilling to me, as well as being able to give a voice and platform to those that need it. I feel what distinguishes Foodbeast from others is our ability to cover all kinds of food content from different perspectives and being able to adapt and stay relevant in such a dynamic industry.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
As daunting as it sounds, I’d love to write a book someday. Also, I always want to take my contributions at Foodbeast to new levels, all while continuing to tell compelling, touching, unique, and fascinating food stories. Hosting Taste the Details is what I love to do, so being able to continue that and helping the content of that show progress is a continuous goal.
Contact Info:
- Website: Foodbeast.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/foodbeast
- Facebook: facebook.com/foodbeast
- Twitter: twitter.com/foodbeast
- Other: instagram.com/reachhard_, Twitch: twitch.tv/foodbeast
TikTok: @yungfoodbeast
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