Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Hart.
Hi Debra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My husband & I have always been active in our respective charities. 20 years ago, we ended up as presidents of both Rotary & Assistance league at the same time. Searching for new & fun fundraisers, we started donating beach Clambakes in Orange County. Our auction items became coveted rewards & after many years of donations, we truly perfected our recipes & menus. The outcry went from hobbyists to full-service catering & delivery. Those years of all the giving have reaped us untold rewards.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning a business is never easy. As an owner, you never really clock out. Handling seafood & sometimes hundreds of pounds of ice & fish is another challenge. Catering the type of food we do requires lots of lifting & loading & cooking vessels that hold 100 gallons. So we r thankful for our young strong bucks who take it in stride & help us do the really heavy lifting. We are a true team & we’re blessed to have some our crew since our inception in 2009.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I was taught to cook by my mom & aunties like so many other chefs. But what my parents of the depression era and my extended family really instilled was an unwavering work ethic. Honesty, integrity, & do what you say you’re going to do. I majored in music & am very proud & appreciative that I can play both piano & organ & that’s given me the opportunity to serve as minister of music in several Lutheran churches. Although ClambakeOC requires we work weekends, I still sub during our slower winter months. I can truly switch gears & fully immerse myself in the liturgy as though I’ve never skipped a beat. As a musician, the music never clocks out either. What’s really fun is when I get the opportunity to create a custom party mix for our clients. We always have a great sound system on board just in case the party planners forgot. And if you have a piano on site, I’ll play dinner music, & yes, I take requests!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband of 48 years is my life partner and my business partner. When we started Clambake OC, we both agreed we’d be able to take over each other’s respective jobs so there would never be any glitches. 12 years later, I’m realizing he’s much stronger and agile than I, so we have divvied up our duties a bit more clearly. A husband and wife team running a business certainly has its challenges, but we rely on each other‘s strengths to push through whatever comes up. We’ve also had one key crew member who started with us on day one. When we arrive on site, we introduce ourselves and announce that Elvis is in the house! Elvis Gomez, this shout out is for you!
Pricing:
- Menu starts at $35.00 per guest
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected].
- Website: www.ClambakeOC.com
- Instagram: ClambakeOC
- Facebook: ClambakeOC
- Yelp: http://www.Yelp.com/biz/clambake-oc-orange
Image Credits:
Clambake OC. All rights reserved.
