The Independence Project

My name is Terry Guynes and I seek funding to purchase the necessary equipment to open a business.  I am disabled.  My wife was recently disabled and forced into retirement.  We have no retirement set aside.  My disability and her retirement equals less than $1,500.00 monthly.  I (we) are grateful for that which we receive and the medical benefits we have.  However, if you and the Universe decide to support me in my endeavor, the income resulting from my efforts will improve the quality of life.

I intend to buy a commerical food distribution/vender cart.  The price ranges from $3,000 and beyond $30,000, depending on size and production capacity of the vehicle.  The unit I would like to have has 2 fryers, a flat grill, small broiler, refrigeration, 4 burner stove with large oven, beverage service dispenser, adequate storage, large enough to allow 3 people to work without constantly running into each other, have A/C and be completely self contained (ample generator).  In the event there is no electricity available, we can still do business.  I estimate and project the cost to be $13,500 to $19,500.  Unless I would get lucky and find what I want at a much lower price.  It is possible, unfortunately not probable.

The menu will be simple, hotdogs, burgers, fries, corn dogs, child hot dogs and a variety of beverages.  Depending on the area where we are doing business or the event we have contracted, the menu may vary.  For example: we are at an event with 8 other venders serving burgers and dogs-we serve BBQ pork sandwiches with fries or a jumbo philly sandwich with fries.  We have the ability to supply the product that fills the marketing gap.

We will do busy in or near tourist attraction areas (Long Beach or Birch Bay, WA-as examples).  We can schedule and contract county fairs, rodeos and other such events (as venders) in a 4 State area.  The beauty of the commerical food vender cart is, if you miscalculate or for any reason the cart does not produce $300 to $500 profit per day-we can move it to a better location.

The profits shall be used to first improve the quality of our life.  Secondly, pay my tuition so that I may obtain my MSW (which I should have done 15 years ago-kick me).  10 months a year, wherever we are, whatever large metropolitan area we are near, we will locate and identify the area of the city where the majority of the homeless people congregate.  We will serve hot meals to hungery on one weekend (Friday and Saturday) per months and on Thanksgiving and Christmas.  It is a small thing, but I feel confident it could mean so much to a lonely human being.

As for labor, I will hire local kids, 18 years of age and above.  They will be paid prevailing wage for the industry in that area.  Realistically, $8 to $11 per hour.  Denny's cook wages are a good rule of thumb.

I also need a reliable pick up to pull the cart.  Approximately $9,500 to $17,500.  It has to be reliable. I am unable to facilitate repairs myself.