Today we’d like to introduce you to Troy Allen.
Hi Troy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m originally from Elberton, GA. I’m a graduate of Florida A&M University (1990) and Le Cordon Bleu (2012). I got started in the business by my late aunt Matilda, who the business is actually named after. She was self-taught and in 1990 decided to start catering small functions while she continued to work in the DeKalb County school system. That allowed her to build a network on word of mouth and before you knew it, she became very sought after because of her passion for leaving her clients extremely satisfied long after the event was over.
Our family used to help her as much as possible, but no one could match her drive and commitment to the craft. She focused on the little things that made a world of a difference in the grand scheme of providing exquisite dishes.
We had planned to attend culinary school together to get a better understanding of the catering business behind the scenes, but she passed away in 2009 so I ended up going on to culinary school a year later and continued her business after graduating.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
By no stretch of the imagination has it been a smooth road… fun, but hard work!
Being that I have always worked a full time job (Delta Air Lines), you quickly learn that it’s hard putting in the hours at one place of business and then trying put in hours/passion in your own business.
I also found it hard to get your help to match your commitment and understand your vision in how you want to do things. While it was a struggle, I just continued to stay the course -even taking some time away from the business to regroup and reorganize.
This time around has been much more exciting and I can’t thank my family enough for their support. They have truly been there for me and has been willing to assist whenever/wherever necessary.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Like I mentioned before, I’ve worked for Delta Air Lines for 32 years in 5 different U.S. cities and visited many more domestic and international. I have met a lot of great people and maintain many awesome relationships to this day.
As for my catering business, I’m most proud of the way our family has come together to help carry the legacy of our late aunt to the next level. My cousin Marcia has actually also started her own catering business in Elberton and use the same core values that our aunt Matilda instilled in us many years ago. We really put a lot of effort into providing a great experience for our clients and make sure we pay attention to the smallest of details!
We are known for providing an abundance of food & always trying new dishes on our clients without an extra cost to them.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor doesn’t have to be someone that works in the same field as you. A mentor is that person who doesn’t mind sharing their experiences and giving you that positive advice whether you’re ready for it or not = as the youngsters say, keeping it 💯!
I’ve found that my motivation comes from those younger & older.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: cateringbymatildaandfamily
- Facebook: cateringbymatildaandfamily
