It seems that all of my memories growing up are related around food. All of our home videos ( Shot on Super 8 ) are the family sitting down to a meal. I grew up in the Southern United States where everything is made with real butter, real cheese, fried, bar-b-qued and lots of love. All of the chef’s in my family were the women, except for on the bar-b-que (the man’s job) and Paula Deen has nothing on the people cooks and chefs in my family.

Here are some of my favorite foods (each with a stack of fond memories):

• Fried Okra
• Fried Catfish
• Krystals’ Hamburgers (the little square ones)
• Peach Cobbler
• Louisiana Shrimp Boil
• Italian Coconut Cake
• Thick Steaks on the grill (charcoal of course)
• Memphis Style Pulled Pork BarBQue
• Banana Pudding
• Home made biscuits
• Chicken & Dumplings (loaded with black pepper)

Each of these has a special place in my heart (probably plaque in my arteries) that remind me of family, love and security on a primordial level. Ahhhhh.

In the business world and in life, it’s who you are that matters. Your history, your experience and your opinions, that’s what people are hungry for and crave. It’s the basics of human dignity, regard for others and honoring one’s self that matter in having a rich and fulfilling life. It seems that human beings seek answers to questions that deep inside that already know but don’t really like.

As you create and build a business, share yourself. Give it all away. Not physically and not your tiny little secrets, but give away your history, your traditions and your preferences. That’s what matters. I personally think that is the reason for Starbucks’ Success. Starbucks brings the aroma of coffee to a place where people can take time to connect. Now that’s rich.

What are some of your favorite foods?