In this week’s episode of Tell Us Your Story, we sat down with Harley Cantrell, the owner of PandaMomo Catering. His journey is nothing short of inspiring—transitioning from corporate leadership in the grocery industry to taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship. Harley’s story is one of risk, resilience, and self-belief as he navigated the transition from a structured corporate career to building his own thriving business.
Early Influences: The Foundation for a Future Chef
Growing up in Woodland, California, Harley’s childhood was shaped by the blue-collar work ethic of his parents—his father, a mechanic, and his mother, an artist with a dynamic personality. Creativity played a big role in his life, and he initially saw himself as a comic book artist earning a scholarship. However, the reality of the industry, particularly the financial challenges and the repetitive nature of assembly-line artistry, made him rethink his future.
Finding Art in an Unexpected Place: The Grocery Industry
Harley’s transition into the grocery business started as a necessity—he needed a job after college. What he didn’t expect was discovering art in food merchandising. “I was changing one art form into another,” he shared, explaining how the sensory and visual appeal of produce displays sparked his creativity.
Over time, he climbed the ranks, becoming a Director, managing stores, overseeing financials, and working closely with executive chefs. His curiosity about different departments led him to learn everything he could about the culinary side of the business—a skillset that would later serve as the backbone of PandaMomo.
The Unexpected Pivot: From Corporate Director to Stay-at-Home Dad
A defining moment in Harley’s journey came when his ex-wife was offered a great job, leading to a role reversal. Initially resistant, he eventually embraced being a stay-at-home dad to twin daughters, Ellie and Andie.
Reflecting on that period, Harley described it as humbling and transformative: “That time was so precious. It was only three years, but it built a bond that I have with them today.”
From Meal Prep to PandaMomo: The Entrepreneurial Journey
Harley’s entry into the food business started organically, driven by his passion for cooking. His daughters grew up cooking alongside him, cracking eggs and learning about fresh ingredients. What began as meal prepping for friends quickly expanded through word-of-mouth and social media.
During COVID, he recognized a demand for quality home-cooked meals. What started as three clients turned into a rapidly growing business. At one point, he was working seven days a week, balancing corporate life, meal prep, and catering requests. Realizing the potential, he left his corporate career to go all in—a leap that resulted in tripling his business almost instantly.
Navigating The Arena: Overcoming Doubt and Critics
Taking the leap wasn’t without its challenges. Harley described experiencing imposter syndrome, financial fears, and external doubts. “It was constant,” he said, referring to the voices telling him to stay in his safe corporate job. But something inside him pushed forward: “I said to myself, if I’m going to do this, I have to do it now.”
A key turning point was shifting his mindset from proving others wrong to doing it for himself. He emphasized the importance of having a strong support system and being relentless in pursuing a dream despite the uncertainty.
The Meaning Behind PandaMomo
The name PandaMomo carries deep personal significance—it comes from the nicknames of his twin daughters, Panda (Andie) and Momo (Ellie). “Why am I really doing this? For my family. For them,” Harley explained. Naming his business after them served as a reminder of his purpose and motivation.
The Business Today: Quality, Convenience, and Community
PandaMomo has evolved into a meal prep and catering business that emphasizes high-quality, real food with clean ingredients. His menu changes weekly, focusing on seasonal produce and fresh proteins. Unlike large meal prep companies, each meal is prepared and delivered fresh the same day.
Harley has also expanded into catering, handling everything from small backyard events to large-scale weddings. His clients range from busy professionals to families looking for nutritious meals. Beyond just providing food, Harley sees his work as giving people back their time, freeing them from the stress of cooking and meal planning.
Visit PandaMomo Catering: Click here to visit website!
Lessons from The Arena: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Reflecting on his journey, Harley shared key insights for those considering entrepreneurship:
-
- It’s a Long Game – “Recognize that you’re in this for the long haul. It won’t happen overnight.”
-
- Know Your Why – “Ask yourself, how bad do you want this?”
-
- Be Ready to Work Harder Than Ever – “If you think you’ve worked hard before, multiply that by ten.”
-
- Don’t Compare Yourself to Others – “Your journey is yours alone. Focus on your own progress.”
-
- Build Genuine Connections – “People will do business with you, not just your product.”
Final Thoughts: Success in The Arena
For Harley, success isn’t just about financial gains—it’s about fulfilling his purpose and spending quality time with his family. “It’s about waking up every day knowing I’m doing what I love and making a real impact,” he shared.
PandaMomo is more than a business—it’s a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of betting on oneself. Harley’s journey into The Arena serves as a powerful reminder that true success comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing the unknown.
-
- Listen to Harley’s story and episode: Click here to listen!
-
- Be a guest on our show: Click to submit your name and story!
