Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Lee Mccauley
Hi Laura Lee, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In a galaxy far far away. Just kidding…but hard to pick a starting place. Those that do know me would say I live to feed and connect people everyday. How did I become the owner of two small businesses that make big impacts? Most people choose their profession, I think the hospitality industry chose me. I spent the first 24 years of my career working in corporate America for restaurants, hotels, convention centers, resorts, night clubs, golf courses. This included working for brands such as Studebakers, IHG, CPS, Hilton, Holiday Inn and Cotton Boll. I learned early and quickly that building a team was the key to corporate success. The experience of traveling, learning and meeting so many people was a better education than any classroom or degree could offer.
The recession of 2008 hit the hospitality industry hard, resulting in loosing my position within a hotel. At first, I explored my options within the local market. When speaking with one of my longest clients, it hit me that there was a need not being met. Large companies had stopped travel for conventions and trainings, groups from 10-50 people were zooming to be connected instead of traveling to be together. These groups needed food and beverage service, most catering companies were requiring a minimum of 30-40 guests. They were all eating pizza, bbq and subs. I took a deep breath, wrote a business plan and figured it I fell on my face, I could still get a job. We opened our doors in February of 2009 as Laura Lee’s Lunchables and renamed ourselves 901 Catering as the 901 marketing explosion took place in Memphis. We still feature a complete hot meal for a minimum of 10 guests delivered, set up and all service ware can be recycled, but have grown as our clients needs have grown.
One of the marketing tools that has worked best for our company has been in person referral marketing. We became involved in a couple of groups in the mid south as members, but worked our way into leadership. The chapter gave us a connection into the community on a referral level that was instrumental in our growth. Again, I looked up one day and realized small businesses struggled to be members within the organization as the rules caused more stress. It didn’t take long to see a new need that was not being met and I wrote the outline on a cocktail napkin. We all look for the “I know a guy/gal” that can help you almost daily to get things done. I met with a few of my friends that owned small businesses, told them what the vision was, we laid out some guidelines and the Memphis Referral Rockers chapter was born in March of 2013. We had no idea the need was a big as it was and is now The Generosity Network. Today we are 9 chapters strong and the biggest part of the network is each chapter a local non profit seat on a complimentary basis. This aspect is important to us because most small business owners struggle to connect with the local community in a giving capacity, especially new small business owners. As much as I love catering…..The Generosity Network gives me the most opportunity to make a real difference. It humbles me daily because it is about people doing life every day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can say the road looks nothing like the business plan! But I need the business plan as a reference moire than anyone every told me I would. I can think of may days I curled up and rocked in a corner asking myself “what was I thinking…quit, go get a job”. I finally learned four things that I will continue to pass on: 1. your dream doesn’t go full time until you do. 2. Just because it’s the right thing, doesn’t mean it’s the right time. 3. do not compare your journey to anyone elses, clap for them until it’s your turn. 4. World class service is not what you do well, it’s what you do when you screw up.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
901 catering is a Corporate focused catering company offering delivery set up and full service catering for group of 10 or more guests.
Our commitment extends to both our food and services, it is more than a great menu. We compliment our food by offering the ultimate in a wide range of services and cuisines. Meeting the needs of Corporate Meetings, Training, Trade Shows, Galas, Fundraisers, Awards Lunch/Dinners, Holiday Parties, Picnics and Wedding Receptions, Rehearsal Dinners, Golf Outings, Tour Buses, and our culinary team loves to cook on site with our portable equipment to give you the best experience!
The Generosity Network is a locally owned referral marketing company. We currently have 9 chapters meeting throughout the mid south and continue to grow. Each chapter meets weekly for the express purpose of giving and receiving referrals. Each chapter features only one seat per profession to build a solid referral team with the intent to provide professional goods and services to our community along with World Class Service. Unlike other referral marketing groups, our focus on the small business owners, entrepreneurs, commission sales professionals the benefit of referral marketing. We are affordable and locally managed with a focus on supporting local non profit organizations.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I say it often, the Memphis Business Journal. We serve the business community daily and knowing what is happening in, around and to our corporate customers is one of the most effective tools in managing my small businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: 901Catering.com and GN-midsouth.com
- Instagram: 901catering
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MemphisReferralChapters
- Twitter: Larualeeslunch
