Trail guide and personal chef needed...?

[chefjolley]

Anyone in need of a trail guide/outdoor chef...? Looking to leave the old daily grind for a more satisfying carreer. Have been an avid outdoorsman and chef for my whole life. Experinced wheeler in multiple terrains and vehicles. It's a long shot but, hey, why not, right...?

[Miles2go1979]

Now that would be a freakin cool job... to truely get paid doing exactly what you love... if you find this job, see if they have room for another!

[Jdemonto@Airpark Jeep Sales]

Too late I already have


Jason

[arczech]

To add, if you want a (part time) trail cook and sidekick let me know

[HvyHau8272]

Anyone in need of a trail guide/outdoor chef...? Looking to leave the old daily grind for a more satisfying carreer. Have been an avid outdoorsman and chef for my whole life. Experinced wheeler in multiple terrains and vehicles. It's a long shot but, hey, why not, right...?

Can I be your prep cook??:):) That would be a cool job I hope it works out for you. Heck I'll do the dishes.:smug:

[chefjolley]

I know it seems like a far-fetched idea but seriously... lol... I would LOVE a part-time trail cook/side-kick and I would LOVE a prep cook who's willing to do dishes, too! Been cheffin' and wheelin' for years and I'm trying to figure out how to scratch out a living doing both. I know those pink jeep wingnuts give the tours but I feel it would be even cooler to stretch the trips out a couple days... provide more than a bench seat and a three hour tour... push it as far as providing outdoor festive activities and lodging at over-night stops, gourmet meals and snacks and to really research the history of the areas we get out on, all to provide a well immersed experience... am I rambling...? lol As long as I'm dreaming, I think I'd like to be a space-fireman who rides a motorcycle and puts out fires with a lightsaber... ;-)

[chefjolley]

If there's a way to do this, I'll find it...

[TRobertsRN]

I think people who do this are called outfitters.

I have heard from friends who have paid for trips like this for river rafting and hunting.

I also have a friend this would be a great job for.

I would check out outfitters online to see what you find, or maybe wilderness tours or other subjects.

Are you more interested in working for a company or starting your own?

Maybe your own company could be called American Jeep Safari's or something like that.

Tom

[Horned Owl]

I think people who do this are called "The Army"! I heard they are hiring too! LOL:laugh2:

I think people who do this are called outfitters.


Tom

[chefjolley]

That's a definite no. I hear the terrain in Iraq is tough on Jeeps... and people.

[arczech]

I am still willing to be a sidekck and part-time cook . If you want ideas PM me and we can talk
Alan and Tammy
Sounds like a great idea to me

[Ply_N_AZ]

Hey guys,

Not sure if you ever went anywhere with this. I love the idea! I am into both cooking and wheelin. I have a business finance background and might be able to offer some ideas for start up. PM me if you are still looking for some.

[OlneyJeeps]

what I do already (gotta gig this morning), no cooking though

[Huck]

I used to to be a guide and 'cookie' the camp chef/cook with an outfitter up North. We did this as part of guided hunts and I've done one river trip. The money is OK and the job is pretty mellow.
When in the cooking mode, duties included: (waking up ~3AM)
1) Firing up the stoves and stoking up the fires.
2) Brewing up the AM coffee and waking the guides.
3) Meeting with the guides to discuss the days hunt strategies and general plan.
4) Waking up the clients and providing them a hot, good breakfast to start the day
5) Get the clients and guides off to the hunt and cleaning the galley.
6) Nap and then prep firewood and then get the D.O.'s (Dutch Oven's) going
7) Dinner, clean up and off to bed early to do it again the next day.

Proficient usage of multiple D.O.'s is a key bit of knowledge and for most outfitters a 'requirement'. Having your folks return to camp the the smell of a pineapple upside down cake coming from one D.O. and an elk Lasagna coming from another is awe inducing, to the clients.

It isn't for everyone, but it is a great way to spend a day in the USFS. Daily pay was always decent with the folks I worked with and the tips were good. One time we guided the West coast Kimber Rep and he gave out parkerized custom Kimbers to the guides and me....
Hunts and river trips are good work, but not necessarily 'regular' work. It is very seasonal.
Good luck,
Huck

[chefjolley]

Oh, the interest never fades... I just back-burner the idea every couple of months because it distracts me. I still chef-it for a living. So I guess I've got 50% of the dream but I wanna take it outdoors. Still an overgrown boyscout I suppose. The idea is very serious but still in it's fetal sages. I'm based in Cincinnati right now and the start-up capital for an adventure such as this would not be just a pocketfull. Want to be explore potential client base, law, liscensing (the GOVT always wants their piece, don't they?), etc.. I do appreciate the support, however, and I'd like to keep this thread going... the more support, the better!

[chefjolley]

As an afterthought, that wasn't meant to discourage potential partners/clients, etc.. If anyone really wants to discuss what's on the table at this point please let me know.

[terron gregg]

i see this being a seasonal job not something all year round in az ??

[chefjolley]

As an after-afterthought (...?), Dutch oven cooking is a fading art. I'm glad to hear others are still practicing that cast-iron-black magic. Kudos!

[chefjolley]

No, I think the climate in AZ could net profits year-round. Too hot in the desert...? Head for the mountains... Too cold in the mountains...? Head for the lowlands. Challenging weather is part of the experience. Wouldn't necessarily want to offer 'the perfect trip', more along the lines of 'the real thing'... Does that make sense...?

[ShmUDE]

charter fishing boats up in Alaska is another idea. fish in the summer months and hunt in the winter months...couldn't beat that!

[JUDOKA]

You know, I have thought of this very thing too. I also worked hunting camp and took pack trips into the Yellowston backcountry in the summer. My wife was saying that it could just start off as a forum and website where you just make an offer for some PRIVATE runs (UCC 4 PRIVATE AGREEMENT "Means Bargain Of The Parties In Fact") with a bit of protection through a private agreement. If you dont post it as a means of gainful employment, but rather offer an outdoor "Experience", and then disclose that tips are welcome, (of corse you may want to disclose the "average tip") and that they should pay for the costs associated with fuel and meals. So if it costs the US Government $25,000 for a toilet seat, it seems reasonable that a cheeseburger would cost $15.00 !!!! Ha!
(FOR THE RECORD This post in no way constitutes "Legal Advice" nor is an offer to contract; offer services, or a suggestion for any other purpose other than entertainment. Nothing else promised or implied.)
For real though, you could turn your hobbie into a profitable business in this way. If you find enough interest then you can look at investing into it as a legit business.
My $.02

[OlneyJeeps]

charter fishing boats up in Alaska is another idea. fish in the summer months and hunt in the winter months...couldn't beat that!


charter business in AK is cutthroat (pardon pun)... expenses are exhorbitant too

[chefjolley]

One of the best rides I've taken in Az was the trail that left meteor crater and heads south towards Happy Jack and Long Valley... that day's ride was multiple terrains, multiple climates, etc... and that was well before nightfall...

[chefjolley]

You know, I have thought of this very thing too. I also worked hunting camp and took pack trips into the Yellowston backcountry in the summer. My wife was saying that it could just start off as a forum and website where you just make an offer for some PRIVATE runs (UCC 4 PRIVATE AGREEMENT "Means Bargain Of The Parties In Fact") with a bit of protection through a private agreement. If you dont post it as a means of gainful employment, but rather offer an outdoor "Experience", and then disclose that tips are welcome, (of corse you may want to disclose the "average tip") and that they should pay for the costs associated with fuel and meals. So if it costs the US Government $25,000 for a toilet seat, it seems reasonable that a cheeseburger would cost $15.00 !!!! Ha!
(FOR THE RECORD This post in no way constitutes "Legal Advice" nor is an offer to contract; offer services, or a suggestion for any other purpose other than entertainment. Nothing else promised or implied.)
For real though, you could turn your hobbie into a profitable business in this way. If you find enough interest then you can look at investing into it as a legit business.
My $.02

I think a big part of getting it all started would be just getting out on some of the most popular and most accessible trails at their peak usage and getting seen having a well planned, good time... nothing left out, ya know...? Oh, the wheels are spinnin now...

[Ply_N_AZ]

I think you are headed in the right direction. Maybe make a bunch of fliers and hand them out to folks on the trail, 4x4 shops, game and fish, sporting good stores. You might also want to look into local newspapers where the snow birds are, i.e, sun city, sun lakes, etc and post a small ad to see if you get any response. You can place a free ad on www.kudzu.com. craigslist and backpage.com.

I have tons of ideas and would be happy to help you build a business plan/ business model. You need to start with a plan first...this will save you lots of time and money.
Hope this helps, good luck amigo!
Dave

[chefjolley]

Signature test. Finally got some pics on the pc.

[chefjolley]

Update: Is anyone even still watching this thread...? Anyhoo... My bachelor party is this weekend and in the spirit of the 'Chef-Wagon' we'll have it over a three day ride in the Kentucky mountains, testing our gear and recipes... buen provecho! I'll get pics to post... if I can ever figure out how.

[Ply_N_AZ]

Update: Is anyone even still watching this thread...? Anyhoo... My bachelor party is this weekend and in the spirit of the 'Chef-Wagon' we'll have it over a three day ride in the Kentucky mountains, testing our gear and recipes... buen provecho! I'll get pics to post... if I can ever figure out how.

Are you in KY? And yes, if this is something you are planning on doing in AZ, I am very interested in talking with you more.

Dave

[arczech]

Are you in KY? And yes, if this is something you are planning on doing in AZ, I am very interested in talking with you more.

Dave

Dave, My thinking also. If he is in AZ then he should meet with those interested in helping.
Sound like right now he is on his Honeymoon.so may be a few before he checks this out .
Good luck Chef and hope to chat soon.

[chefjolley]

Based in Cincinnati. Riding south of Independence, KY this weekend. Honeymooning in Sedona. No business though... strictly pleasure.

[Ply_N_AZ]

Based in Cincinnati. Riding south of Independence, KY this weekend. Honeymooning in Sedona. No business though... strictly pleasure.

Congradulations Amigo! Sedona is a great place. The redrocks are an awesome site, and if you have a vehicle, prescott is close with whiskey row or the old ghost town of Jerome. I wish you and your new mrs. a long and happy marriage.

Looking forward to chatting more with you after your return.

Dave

[chefjolley]

I'm baaaaaaack....

[Ply_N_AZ]

I'm baaaaaaack....

How was the Honeymoon amigo?

[chefjolley]

Wonderful... we spent the whole week either outdoors or making use of the lodging's amenities... We even rented one of the Farrabee's jeeps on two seperate occaisions. Although I would have preferred my own rig, it was quite liberating to beat the snot out of a renatl rig, knowing that I didn't have to pay for repairs. Just paid the extra insurance and we were dust in the wind. Had no idea the sales tax is so f*$%ing high in Sedona though... Holy 10%, Batman...

There is a Fireman's Benefit ride this weekend at Natural Bridge State Park in Kentucky this weekend and I may just try out the 'Chef-Wagon' concept, riding from stop to stop and doing a little cooking/vending. If anyone is in the area...

[arczech]

When are you going to follow through with this? you have many people that will and can help, just no responce from you

[chefjolley]

Believe me, if I had the necessary capital to finally put this project in motion without going bankrupt or selling my wife and child to a Martha Stewart cannery in Taiwan you would already see me on trails in the Phoenix area. We live in Cincinnati. The relocation costs alone would be nauseating at best. I have been actively looking for a suitable job in the Phoenix area that would pay relocation costs without a substantially long contract but those positions don't exactly grow on trees... or on seguaro cactus. I have a family and they come first. Always. Period. And I have to know we are secure before I go tripping off on off-road culinary adventures.

The inital equipment/inventory investments necessary for me to breathe life into the idea once we are settled are nominal. Since this is something I've been doing for quite some time for fun, I have the majority of the items required to make this work except for a couple equipment upgrades necessary to handle a larger volume of people. Marketing/advertising would come easily, most of our exposure being by sight and word of mouth. As there is little to no overhead (no rent, no utilities, etc.) the biggest running costs would just involve food and fuel (both vehicle and cooking). That said, once running, my high end estimate for running/operating costs will be between 20-40%, depending on menu and location of event. This means that 60-80% of every dollar taken in can be distributed between reinvestment in the project and personal subsistence. Very few food-service businesses see this kind of profit margin. This would help keep pricing very reasonable. I don't need to be rich, but I want to do something I love.

Once again, I've rambled on. I want to see this idea in practical application more than anybody and I'd love it if that meant starting today. Unfortunately this area of the country does not have a fraction of the public land deignated for OHV use as does the southwest. Not only that but it's seasonal here. I'd have to make french fries for the other 6-7 months of the year. :)

As always, I am touched and inspired by everyone's support for this idea. It helps to keep it fresh and steer it away from the back burner. I need the prodding sometimes.

[chefjolley]

That said, if anyone would like to 'prod' with investment capital, let me know. ;) Better yet, if anyone knows of a place to pitch this idea for investors, let me know. Eventually, multiple chef-wagons will be needed...