ABOUT ME:
Hello, my name is Jerry DesChaux, for 25 years I was employed as an IT Computer Professional on several different levels to include computer operations, production support, programming, and management utilizing IBM mainframes. Somewhere after the turn of the century, the IBM mainframes were quickly replaced with the current day client servers. The client server is at the other end of the spectrum on how they function/operate. Needless to say, I was blind-sided by technology, and like tens and thousands of other people in this career field, I was out-sourced. From there I was employed as a drain tech/plumber, then on to driving an 18 wheeler. After several years of driving, I started having problems with my physical ability to get up and down onto the big trucks. This brings us pretty close to present day.
On February 07, 2012, I was admitted to the hospital weighing 317 lbs., in pretty bad condition and could barely put any weight on my left leg and my calves were 28 inches around. Bright and early the next morning the test started. I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, I had a previous heart attack I didn't even know I had, kidney problems, liver problems, and my heart was enlarged trying to keep up with the other organs. I also had blood clots that formed in my legs and traveled to my lungs. This was all in the 1st week in the hospital. Then the doctors tell me my lymph nodes in my groin area are swollen 3 to 4 times their normal size, we need to do a biopsy. The test results showed I have lymphoma, now we need to do a biopsy of your bone marrow to see if the lymphoma is there as well. Low and behold, there it was, in my bone marrow as well.
So, 18 days later, I checked out of the hospital, legs normal size, 245 lbs., kidneys ok, liver ok, heart size reduced, lymph nodes a little swollen, and I am on 5 medications for life. Lymphoma/leukemia is in a stage where no treatment is necessary, and my doctor assured me that I may never need treatment (got my fingers crossed). I have been keeping the weight off to date, and I feel good about life.
Folks, I am not sure what life's destiny has in store for me, but I sure am thankful to still be alive for a while longer, hopefully for many years to come. I have been out of work now since December of 2010. I have done quite a lot of research for the Denver metro area in the KETTLE CORN business, I see an opportunity, and I plan to take full advantage of it.
Kettle Corn History
So, exactly who invented KETTLE CORN? Good question. One thing for sure, it's been popped for decades and only grows in popularity! Supposedly, the farmers and cowboys of the old Mid-West used to make their own version of KETTLE CORN. After a day of harvest, they would throw rendered fat into a cast iron pot sitting over the fire. When the fat was hot, they'd throw in some corn kernels and whatever sweetener available, usually honey or molasses. Cooking methods may have changed with the times, but KETTLE CORN still has that same slightly sweet, slightly salty taste we're all addicted to.
Americans today consume 17 billion quarts of popped popcorn each year. The average American eats about 58 quarts.
KETTLE CORN popularity has grown in leaps and bounds over the years. KETTLE CORN is a great delicious snack item that is full of fiber and rich in flavor that most folks find addictive. Most of the time, folks just have a hard time finding good quality freshly popped ‘KETTLE CORN’. Those who are popcorn connoisseurs know this to be true. During my research on the KETTLE CORN business in my local area, I have found only a few businesses are claiming to be producing and selling KETTLE CORN style popcorn. So far, I haven’t found 1 business that makes real KETTLE CORN style popcorn and I have 4 more to check out.
What I Need & What You Get
My goal is to produce the best gourmet KETTLE CORN in the Denver metro area of Colorado. My campaign on this website is to obtain the necessary funding for first class NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certified equipment so i can produce the best gourmet KETTLE CORN. I am seeking $33,950.00 to fulfill my monetary needs. I will outline my campaign to show where and how the campaign funds will be utilized, include pictures of equipment being purchased by campaign funds, frequent updates and other information pertinent to my campaign.
Below is what your donations to my campaign will purchase and start what will become a lucrative business venture.
Complete Mobile Concession Package features:
■NSF certified 160 Qt. Kettle Corn Popping Machine & NSF Certified Sifting Bin
■E-Z UP Canopy Package - Includes tent 10’ x 10’, solid back wall, two screened sidewalls & custom printing (i will be up-grading to a larger canopy).
■Service/Storage Counter
■Customized Magnetic Sign for your service counter. This sign can be moved to your trailer or vehicle for down-the-road advertising.
■Ingredient Counter with built-in hand washing sink - Includes 3 ingredient storage bins with lids.
■Popping Accessories
■Recipes, Manual & Training Video
■Unlimited support
sub-total = $8499.00
■Upgrade to a 10' x 20' canopy, add $450.00
■ Handmade Rustic Pricing Sign, add $75.00
■ Sky Banner & frame Mounts directly to your EZ UP canopy frame - be seen from a distance, add $299.00
$9323.00 = entire concession package NSF certified, professional appearance and equipment. Equipment pictures will follow:
DISBURSEMENT OF CAMPAIGN FUNDS
Full Concession kettle corn equipment: $9400.00
Concession trailer: 7500.00
Supplies: 2700.00
Taxes, licenses, insurance,
trailer hitch, storage: 3000.00
Website, business cards, advertising: 1500.00
Wages for 4 employees for 4 wks: 6400.00
TOTAL: APPROXIMATELY $30,500.00
All figures are approximates and there may be additional unforeseen monetary requirements (concession event fees, employees, etc). All campaign funds will be used in conjunction with my monetary needs for business equipment, any left-over funds will be used to further expand the business needs. If the full amount of the campaign is not reached, the funds will be applied to purchase the concession trailer first for storage purposes of KETLE CORN popping equipment. Other means of funding for other equipment will be sought out. Most events or a worksite that is permanent the product will be produced in the confines of the concession trailer. The canopy will be used when the concession trailer is not allowed at an event. In the event I decide to go mail order with the KETTLE CORN product from my website, I already have a mailing service arranged.
Perks will include KETTLE CORN and a varity of different big named resterraunt gift cards. Gift cards are a nice perk because they cand be used by anyone, so the recipient can also use them as gifts to friends and family. Donations to this campaign can be any monetary amount besides the recommended perk amounts listed, those perks will be awarded accordingly. I am also working on a business name and have a good idea for a real winner. Securing a permanent location to work from besides working different events would be a real plus. A location near a big-box store that allows concessions to operate on their property would be great, then work the special big events when they present themselves.
Please click on the gallery tab above to view the equipment this funding campaign will purchase. Updates to this campaign will follow in the comming weeks -- please stay tuned-in for these interesting updates as my campaign goes through it's different growth stages.
