| Who is the Kuchen Man |
| As described by Gary Trusty The Rapid City area has benefited from the hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, willingness to try, and the culinary expertise of a local man that has brought on his being called "The Kuchen Man". The Kuchen Man, a.k.a. Joel Schwader, along with his son, Josh, has developed a reputation of making and perfecting an extraordinary tasting German dessert pie called a kuchen. His initial efforts were developed in his home kitchen and trial sales were very successful through a farmer's market venue. This furthered Joel's interest in selling to the general public. What initially started as a means of making some extra money has developed into a business where kuchens are made in a commercial kitchen and sold daily. In addition, orders for a large quantity of the tasty kuchens have been produced for fund raising events in the region. The successes realized in this business endeavor may appear to be a typical start up business story, but there is more. Joel has a full time job at a local restaurant. He has no previous business experience, and no excess cash for starting a business. But, he had the idea. And, he had the will to try. Joel has been inspired to make this business a success while dealing with health issues of his own. He has had tremendous problems with vertigo that have made any daily routines seem impossible or overwhelming. But, he has prevailed. He prefers looking forward to what might be accomplished through his business rather than making excuses for any delays and disappointments. Joel proudly wears a baseball cap with "The Kuchen Man" printed across the front. Joel has furthered the interest in his kuchens by being featured in a recent KEVN TV human interest story, and by an impressive article in the Rapid City Journal about his new business. He has proved to both himself and to others that his will to try and his willingness to follow his dream have brought about a true feeling of accomplishment. How lucky for us all to benefit from his efforts. |
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