How A Bite With Mee Fused a Passionate Following with Great Food and Great Community

This week host Marty Mechtenberg and Susan Ford welcome the founders of "A Bite With Mee," Mee Sun Klingerman, and Jairo Aleman. Mee Sun and Jairo discuss the formative experiences that led them to the food industry, including Jairo's early aspirations inspired by TV chefs and Mee Sun's involvement in organic farming and cooperatives. They share how their paths converged, leading to both a personal and professional partnership. Listen as Marty, Susan, Mee Sun, and Jairo discuss the importance of community, perseverance, and innovation in food entrepreneurship.  QUOTES"We love to educate people through our food, teaching that vegan and vegetarian dishes can be flavorful and exciting.” -Mee Sun Klingerman [21:52]“For me, it's always family before the business, which requires a tremendous amount of patience.” -Jairo Aleman [31:00]TIMESTAMPS(00:00) The Journey of Two Entrepreneurs in the Food Industry(06:54) A Culinary Journey from Italian Cuisine to Korean Flavors(12:00) From Culinary Dreams to Community Impact: A Journey in Food(19:14) Vegan Nachos: A Happy Accident Turned Fan Favorite(24:19) Korean-Mexican Fusion: Unique Culinary Creations in Elkhart(29:22) Challenges of Managing a Food Business and Balancing Family Life(30:50) Balancing Family Life and Business Challenges(33:40) Navigating Business Growth with Expert Guidance and Funding(35:01) The Journey to Launching a Food Truck Business(40:59) Advice for Aspiring Food EntrepreneursRESOURCESA Bite with MeeCONTACTMartin Mechtenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-mechtenberg-515a648/ Susan Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howard-ford-8446441/ Mentioned in this episode:Proof of Concept Funding for South Bend & Elkhart RegionProof of Concept Fund