Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Pearson.
Hi Kimberly, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I received an associate of arts degree from UCF and a bachelor’s from FSU in Clothing and Textiles with a minor in Business. I wasn’t happy in this field and decided to pursue my true love of cooking as a career. I attended Johnson and Wales University studying culinary arts. I graduated Magna Cum Laude.
My first job out of school was at the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead Atlanta. Throughout my career I have worked at small restaurants, hospitals, and catering companies.
I did not start out with the idea of opening a catering company. It was very organic. I was working at The Fresh Market as I wanted a career outside of culinary. It was there that I met my first client.. I catered my first event as a side job for 140 people in October of 2008. Eventually I started getting enough business that i quit my job at The Fresh Market and focused entirely on growing Pearson’s Catering. With the company expanding, in 2011, my husband Dan Sheir took a leap of faith and left his 15 year career with 84 Lumber and joined me and we have both grown the business beyond our expectations.
Since the beginning, I have always said yes. My thought was you never know who is going to tasted our food. I just kept going through the doors that were opened. We have grown the business from a small 2 person business to now a family style company that started off with corporate breakfasts and pharmaceutical lunches to producing events serving United State Presidents, 2000 guests at Jacksonville Jaguar Tailgates, prestigious law firm anniversary events, catering cocktail parties, workshops, special presentations, political campaigns, holiday parties, family gatherings, and working lunches.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It absolutley has not been a smooth road.
* Trying to get on venue catering lists as they are locked in using only the same companies that have been around more than twice as long as we have.
*Covid
*economy
*employees that have work ethic, compassion, loyalty and integrity
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are known for our great tasting food, creative menus, excellent staff, food presentation, and made from scratch sweets. We have been making things from scratch from the very start. It is the only way.
Our tag lines are “delicious details” and “made with love from scratch” both of which are implemented in every aspect of our business from the herbs we grow to the creations we cook for our beloved clients. I cook with my heart and soul. Every dish I send out, has a little piece of me. Cooking for a living is a very vulnerable career.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Believe in myself and have the confidence in my products.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pearsonscatering.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearsons_catering/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pearsonscateringandevents/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pearson’s-catering/posts/?feedView=all
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTStlsZbJ-RHkWzBxZ6KBzQ
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pearsons-catering-orlando-3
