Episode Summary: "Called to Serve: Mercy Chefs"

The Unshakeables, hosted by Ben Walter of Chase for Business and featuring co-host Kathleen Griffith, delves into the inspiring journey of Gary LeBlanc, the founder of Mercy Chefs. This episode, released on June 10, 2025, explores Gary's unwavering commitment to providing high-quality meals during disasters and the resilience required to sustain such an impactful non-profit organization.

Introduction: The Birth of Mercy Chefs

The episode opens with Ben Walter highlighting the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's devastating impact on New Orleans. Gary LeBlanc, motivated by the disaster’s aftermath, decides to commemorate the event by catering several significant gatherings. However, as Gary reveals:

Gary LeBlanc [00:24]: "I committed to doing a couple of events that were a little beyond where we were at the time, but I thought we'd be able to find funding."

Early Struggles and Self-Funding

Gary candidly discusses the financial challenges he faced in the nascent stages of Mercy Chefs. Operating largely on personal funds, he admitted:

Gary LeBlanc [00:40]: "I would use my own credit cards to buy food and gas and all the other things we had to do, and then I'd get home and I'd raise some money, and I'd pay my credit cards back down, and then we'd be ready to go again."

Despite his optimism for the 10th anniversary to reignite community passion, reality set in when funding fell short:

Gary LeBlanc [01:09]: "We got down to it, and I was short. I was overdrawn in the bank account, and I wasn't gonna be able to make it happen."

Founding Mercy Chefs: A Moment of Clarity

Facing financial strain, Gary reached out for support, leading to a pivotal moment of introspection and faith:

Gary LeBlanc [07:08]: "I'm just going to pray through this and I'm going to ask God to take this burden off of me and let me get back to my real job."

This prayer underscored his calling to continue Mercy Chefs, despite initial doubts and resistance from other organizations.

Overcoming Rejections and Building Independence

Gary recounts the numerous rejections from established organizations that deemed Mercy Chefs unsustainable:

Gary LeBlanc [08:47]: "Saying, you're insane. This is not sustainable... We're not interested at all."

Undeterred, Gary founded Mercy Chefs independently, initially managing all operations alone:

Gary LeBlanc [09:55]: "In the early years, we was just me. I was just trying to grow to what I could put my hands around."

Expanding Mercy Chefs: From Local to Global

As Mercy Chefs gained traction, Gary expanded the organization's reach, responding to various disasters:

• First Deployment: Assisting during a flood in Conklin, New York, where Gary introduced high-volume cooking techniques.
• Subsequent Disasters: Responding to tornadoes in Arkansas and Florida, and Hurricane Ike in Texas.

However, the relentless demand often outpaced funding, forcing Gary to rely heavily on personal finances for about five to six years.

Financial Lessons and Sustainable Growth

A critical turning point occurred during Mercy Chefs' 10th anniversary initiative:

Gary LeBlanc [17:34]: "I have overrun my supply lines. I'm really out here and I'm in trouble. Can you help me?"

With guidance from board member Bake, Gary learned essential financial discipline:

Bake [Approx. 17:54]: "Don't make an emotional decision... Get to a place where you have a cash reserve."

This experience taught Gary the importance of sustainable financial planning, balancing business acumen with his faith-driven mission.

The Role of Faith in Mercy Chefs

Faith is the cornerstone of Mercy Chefs’ operations. Gary explains how his spiritual beliefs guide every aspect of the organization:

Gary LeBlanc [20:23]: "If you believe you're doing the right thing... it's not in your hands anymore. You just have to have faith and believe."

During challenging times, such as the Haiti earthquake, Gary’s faith provided the resilience needed to persevere:

Gary LeBlanc [19:23]: "It was an encouragement. It was a reminder that I didn't need to worry about the money. I needed to worry about the mission."

Recognition and Growth

Mercy Chefs' dedication did not go unnoticed. As the organization grew from serving one million meals in ten years to 27 million, Gary received accolades, including the Defender Service Award through a partnership with Jaguar Land Rover. This recognition not only honored Mercy Chefs' impactful work but also provided practical support, such as loaning a Defender vehicle during California wildfires.

Global Operations and Adaptability

Expanding internationally posed new challenges, from customizing mobile kitchens to navigating diverse regulatory environments. Gary elaborates on Mercy Chefs' global strategy:

Gary LeBlanc [22:44]: "We build kitchens overseas... Our team will stand in and train and buy groceries. Until we can get these people working on their own."

This approach ensured Mercy Chefs could effectively respond to disasters worldwide, adapting to local needs and infrastructure.

Insights and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Throughout the conversation, Gary emphasizes the importance of passion, resilience, and adaptability. When asked for advice, he succinctly states:

Gary LeBlanc [31:39]: "Just do it. That was the call to me. Just go feed people, start. Whether it's a big step or a little step, just get in there. Be relentless."

Ben and Kathleen reflect on Gary's journey, highlighting the delicate balance between mission-driven passion and sustainable business practices. They discuss the broader implications for small business owners, particularly those running non-profits, underscoring the necessity of aligning mission with a viable business model.

Conclusion: Embracing the Unshakeable Spirit

Gary LeBlanc’s story exemplifies the essence of The Unshakeables—resilience, unwavering commitment, and the power of passion-driven entrepreneurship. His journey from a single individual funding Mercy Chefs to leading a global non-profit serves as a testament to what steadfast resolve and faith can achieve in the face of adversity.

Notable Quotes:

• Gary LeBlanc [00:24]: "I committed to doing a couple of events that were a little beyond where we were at the time, but I thought we'd be able to find funding."
• Gary LeBlanc [07:08]: "I'm just going to pray through this and I'm going to ask God to take this burden off of me and let me get back to my real job."
• Gary LeBlanc [20:23]: "If you believe you're doing the right thing... it's not in your hands anymore. You just have to have faith and believe."
• Gary LeBlanc [31:39]: "Just do it. That was the call to me. Just go feed people, start. Whether it's a big step or a little step, just get in there. Be relentless."

This episode of The Unshakeables not only chronicles the remarkable growth of Mercy Chefs but also offers invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs and non-profit leaders alike. Gary LeBlanc’s unwavering dedication serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with passion, faith, and resilience, even the most daunting challenges can be transformed into opportunities for meaningful impact.