My name is Marc Guidetti. A couple of years ago I hurt my back in a work related injury.  The doctors want me to go on disability, but that doesn't sit well with me.  I am far too young to give up and to me being on disability meant I didn’t have a chance.  I decided rather than give up I would try and live the "American Dream", become a small business owner and open a food truck, something I’ve always wanted. 



However, last winter while trying to save up the money I encountered a problem, a very big problem. I came home one very cold night and found my house under 2 1/2 feet off standing water and one of my cats died.  My pipes had burst in multiple places.  But the water wasn't the worst of it, what came next was worse.  Because it was winter,  I couldn't start working to fix my house right away, and I didn’t have the thousands of dollars needed to fix the house.
   
Then, thanks to all the water damage, the next gift was the Black Mold.  Black Mold is highly toxic and deadly. I had to get out and rent a place to live immediately while I saved up the money to repair my home.  As I’m sure you can imagine, paying rent for one house while paying for the expenses for the house I own has made saving the money to fix my house a very slow process especially because my worker's compensation ran out during this time.  Meanwhile the Black Mold kept spreading.  I persevered and kept saving money to eventually fix my home.
 
In April I had an opportunity to buy a food truck at a very good price. I also was given an excellent location to set up the food truck as well. I was also invited to bring my food truck to several music festivals in New York state this summer.  I took every penny I had and even borrowed some money to seize this opportunity. I’ve spent almost $16,000 buying the truck, making the necessary improvements, and getting all the required permits.  I even hired a few friends to work for me and I was all set to open up for business this week.  All I needed to do was get insurance.

I received the estimates for the insurance price this week and it was like getting hit by a freight train.  They want $8400 for workers comp insurance, $6400 for commercial vehicle insurance, and $970 for commercial liability insurance.  To make it worse I need 70% of the money up front.

Unfortunately, I have no money left and no income until the food truck is open for business. I also cannot fix my house since I put everything I saved for that into the food truck.  I'm not really sure what to do at this point.  I just know that I'm not ready to give up and go on disability and food stamps. 

 I was able to bring my truck to a one day event in Patterson New York a couple pf weeks ago (insurance wasn't needed for a one day event) and we killed it.  My employees exceeded all expectations and the customers loved our food.  We averaged $137 and hour in sales and our most expensive item was only $4.00!  I think that is pretty awesome.


I know this business will be a success if I can just open up.  I have already spent thousands on permits for these little towns and I just can't afford to spend almost $16000 on insurance.  Although I had a business plan, I was never aware that the cost of permits and insurance would end up being 3 1/2 times what I paid for the truck.  But I'm not willing to give up.

 This is where all of you come in. 

I hate asking for help but I'm really out of options.  If I don't open soon I will not be able to fix my house or pay the rent on the house I am temporarily renting.  I'm asking for your help to get my business going so I can fix my house and move back home.  Otherwise my cats, my service dog, and myself will be homeless and dependent on government handouts, if I’m even able to get them.

I know that a lot of us are having hard times now, but if you could help me get this insurance so I can open up, and assist in the funds to fix my home, you will literally be saving my life.

Once the truck is open for business come check it out.  the truck is called "Pork Rollin" and we will be cooking up amazing meals (we have a vegan section and a very non-vegan section). Once we get started we are looking for a space at the Jersey Shore.  Or check us out at some of the music festivals in New York:  Mazztock – Marlboro, NY August 26 - 28, and New York Harvest and Freedom Festival October 7 - 9

Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness.  Thank you so much for your help.