Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlon Bordenave.
Hi Marlon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We officially started our venture in early 2018 with a vision to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Some things didn’t work out with the lease agreement, and we decided to start on a smaller scale. It took some time, especially after the pandemic had hit, but it allowed us to work on our business plan and develop a strategy to launch our first official event in Southern California. Early in 2020, I was going through a divorce at the time and some health problems when I gave my life to Christ. I remember walking into Promise Lutheran Church and seeing a chili competition and entering it. It was the kickstart for our first official 1st place medal, followed by multiple wins in other competitions. Our business expanded over the next few years with a high demand for our famous chili. We have toured and become partners with former Super Bowl Champion of the Green Bay Packers, Jermichael Finley, and teamed up with former NFL legend Jamaal Charles. Through the ups and downs, I have always found strength through my faith. The process to get where I am now has been a long journey, but I gained valuable experience along the way and met some amazing people. We owe a great amount of gratitude to the people who afforded us the opportunity to showcase our award-winning chili. It’s been a great honor to tour with Jermichael Finley ElevateU youth football camp across America and provide gourmet lunches to our upcoming youth. We look to inspire and motivate our youth to become the next great leaders in serving their purpose.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to where I am today was definitely no easy road, but my faith has always kept me strong and humble to keep going. One of my toughest struggles I would say was my adversity early on balancing life in going through a rough patch with my divorce and health problems. It was a time I had to really develop patience and discipline to keep pressing forward even though many unknowns at the time were a big question. One I always joke with Jermichael Finely about is the first time I went to do an event for his youth football camp, and our RV broke down on the side of the road 30 minutes out from Diboll, TX, after traveling all the way from California. If you know me, then you know I bleed Packer’s football, and this was my first time meeting a legend that I grew up watching, so there was a huge frustration sitting in and sleepiness from all the travel that it seemed everything was coming apart. On top of the event, we also had a Walmart interview scheduled virtually that morning before our event. Having my auntie and Mom there to remind me God is always in control and to not lose grasp of the vision I had. I ended up doing the interview from the RV while the tow truck had changed the tire with 2 bars of reception and making it to the events 45 minutes prior to serve the kids at the football camp. All went well with us getting an online deal along with us having a great day at the camp. Much thanks to Jermichael Finley and his team and his brother Ke Stanton coming help grab all of our equipment and take my family over to the camp location. I had nights where I put a knife through my hand and had to go to the ER to my deep fryer tipping over and having to wash all of my equipment late at night, but nothing like my RV tire blowing out on the side of the road in a pitch-black Texas town.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our chili is like no other and has a unique flavor profile that has garnered a high demand and multiple awards. Being a Veteran Owned and Operated company we are proud to have toured many events with Veterans and traveled the United States serving our award-winning chili customers have come to love. It definitely was no easy road to get to where we are now, but God deserves all the glory for keeping us grounded enough to gain valuable lessons from each obstacle. You learn to develop more patience and stay consistent in your approach to each task at hand. We are well known for our famous chili, but we are a company founded and guided by Biblical principles we believe hold true to operating a great business. Our mission is to pursue excellence in all we do to provide the most exceptional experience for each person we come into contact with. Everyone who works at BY-YOU DOGG plays a critical role in our mission, and we aim to build leaders, innovators, and a positive workforce.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I view risk-taking as part of any goal in life, especially in business. Starting out can be tough with all of the risk you see by venturing into something that has a lot of questions and possible pitfalls. One thing I always reiterate and live by is to embrace the process and learn to become patient. Take your time! Experience is the best teacher, and you will develop your niche through the challenges you face. Stick to your vision and never doubt yourself!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.byyoudogg.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byyoudogg/
