We’re excited to introduce you to Chris Goode of Ruby Jean’s Juicery in Kansas City, MO. He attended Coast-to-Coast in 2016. Read his story below and watch the video to see Chris’ Coast-to-Coast experience first hand.
Chris Goode’s Yelp Coast-to-Coast Story
I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri with three older siblings and a single mother. Means were minimal at best, and we focused on family togetherness and church. My mother did an amazing job. She juggled many jobs while raising four young children by herself for years.
I started evolving into an entrepreneur around age 11 when my father entered the picture. My father was an unlikely entrepreneur. He worked as a manager for fast food chains and convenience stores. This experience caused him to transition into owning his own convenience store. I absorbed all the good and bad that came with seeing several businesses be grown from ground level. My father was a very strict and resilient entrepreneur. He led with brawn behind his iron fist approach to business. By way of this front row seat, I knew at a young age that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I liked the freedom it seemed to encompass. I also knew that whenever I got my opportunity to be an owner, I would lead with love and humility. Seeing the opposite made it clear this would be what worked for me.
I grew up eating the typical African American diet heavy in soul food. At age 14, as a high school freshman, I lost my grandmother, Ruby Jean, to a battle with Type 2 diabetes. I watched my grandmother die of a massive heart attack and knew my life would never be the same. I didn’t know it at the time, but this traumatic experience was the catalyst for my local business.
I fell in love with fresh juice six years ago and decided to spread my newfound love of health and juicing. I opened Ruby Jean’s Juicery in my grandma’s honor. I now own and operate our original location. By the year two mark this coming July, we will employ 25 people and operate five different locations.
Check back as Chris updates us on his journey over the next few months.
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