NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 4, 2024 / U.S. Bank

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Before his barbecued food won an award, before he was featured on a YouTube series and before he purchased a commercial smoker and food truck, Darren W. Carter was a guy who worked full-time at a steel mill in downtown Cleveland and had a passion for barbecuing meat for his family and friends.

"I would post pictures of my food on Facebook and Instagram, and it got to a point where people kept commenting how they wanted to try it," Carter said. "Someone said they would pay to eat it, and we decided to put that to the test."

Carter and his wife, Theresa, put together a dinner of his ribs and her side dishes, and sold all 70 plates they prepared.

"We did another dinner and it sold out again," he said. "Then it started growing from there."

The Carters continued selling their food at church dinners and other events. After much research, Carter decided he needed a smoker and trailer so the couple could sell their barbecue at food truck parks and other locations.

"I attempted to get a traditional loan through a different bank and they denied us," he said. "I still have that letter framed on my desk in my basement because I knew we'd find a way to do what we wanted to do."

The Carters turned to a crowdfunding loan platform and got money to make down payments on the equipment they needed. They also worked with the city of Cleveland to get a license and in May of 2022, the Carter's BBQ truck had its grand opening.

"We did well the first year; people want to check out the new kid on the block," Carter said. "We had to turn down a lot of gigs because I was still working at the steel mill and doing the barbecue part time."

Carter suffered an injury while working at the steel mill and was unable to work either job for several months, which put a strain on their finances.

He contacted Norlynn Story, a business access advisor for U.S. Bank who he had met through the church they both attend years earlier. The Carters have a business account with U.S. Bank as well.

"We've done quite a bit of work together to help him understand the cost structure for his business and how it can be profitable," Story said. "I also advised them on how to get a Minority Business Enterprise certification, which can open up a lot of opportunities for them."

Story also connected Carter with the Ohio-based Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI), a Community Development Financial Institution designed to serve as a one-stop resource center for entrepreneurs regardless of their background, gender or race.