First of all, I’m terrible at grammar so I apologize… my names Stuart and I like good food. That’s the core of what we do; put out a product you’re proud of. Besides that I’m just winging it. That’s the truth. Lol. I mean I’m educated but my entire career has been in medicine or mechanics. So people wonder how I ended up owning a pretty ridiculous company like Clean Cookin. (Take that as you like) but it all happened because I was overweight and miserable. I laugh because I taught myself how to cook, do marketing, nutrition, apply for loans, accounting, management, etc.. from YouTube. I kid you not. In one year, I did a crash course on everything. Look at me now mom…????????
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
So I have two kids. 13 and 4. They are amazing. But you would never know it with how they act, at least they are polite in public. Then there is my amazing wife. She puts up with my eccentric behavior and non stop stream of ideas. Bless her. She’s a saint.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
So I’m a jack of all trades. But honestly I am a horrible employee. I feel bad for my past employers now that we have 28 employees. But I’ve always worked with my hands. Got my first desk last year when we built my office that I don’t use. College didn’t work for me as a kid and I bounced around till I joined the army as a Combat Medic. I went some places and did some stuff for 6 years until I got out and finished my degrees. After that I found out that a degree doesn’t mean crap when you’re a mechanic and changed oil for a number of years (I did a lot more than that) but then I got pissed off and quit one day and started doing Clean Cookin full time. The part I love most is I make a difference. Not as a brag. But people are better because of what I do. That means something.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Fort smith, Jeff’s Club House. Fayetteville, Dirty Apron Bake House. Bentonville, Peddlers Pub. Rogers, Park Side Public, Eureka, Le Stic, The Grotto, Sauced
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
15 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
There’s no telling anymore. I have fascinating and meaningful conversations with strangers all the time. It’s crazy what you learn.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I want to be sailing in the Caribbean. Umm… why is pretty evident.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Office Space. I like weird documentaries so The Cosmos is probably my go to.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
What ever they will use. I tell people what they need to hear.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Change the world.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Everlast
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
So it’s kinda appropriate. But my offices fit all of that. My offices are a refreshed 1946 car dealership with 16’ Cecilia and the dealership name on the building.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Gary V. Honestly I’d probably grab a sandwich at Dirty Apron Bake House and Walk Around Dixon.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how accessible nature is.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I don’t care where I’m at as long as I’m happy. I don’t measure success.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’ve never worked in a kitchen I didn’t own.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The nights in Iraq are unbelievable for looking at stars in the middle of the desert. I saw a meteor fragment that exploded one night. It was unbelievable.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
April. And March 18th.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Helping people.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My past
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh cut grass and coffee
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, food, recovery
