A Goodman's Desserts

Life is about experiences.

I have learned a lot about myself as I move through the different triumphs and tribulations of life. In the past year I have lived through both mountain and valley moments.

This invitation to the White House is definitely a high.

I was invited to the White House Business Leaders Summit last week along with a select number of Midwest leaders from 5 states. We were in the Eisenhower Executive Office building next to the West Wing and the White House. It was truly an honor to be in the room with so many brilliant and passionate people both on the business side and with the Biden-Harris Administration.

I learned a great deal about opportunities for my business and networked with potential partners.

This was an amazing experiences. I’m learning to take a breath and a real moment to take it all in.

Thank you to the for the opportunity.

I had an opportunity to attend VP Kamala Harris Economic Opportunity for All Tour in Milwaukee today. She discussed a lot of the great initiatives that have been implemented by the Biden - Harris administration including home ownership, student loan forgiveness and small business funding. And a nice picture. Thanks !

Last week I received an email from a student in my college Lean Six Sigma class. He wanted to have a study guide for the final exam. He said that it helped him to know what was going to be covered on the test. I reminded him that the test is open book and open notes. But I decided to provide a guide for the test anyway. Obviously I can’t help the students during the test. But the idea of a guide seemed to put the student at ease.

That morning, I decided not to procrastinate (like I would normally do) on creating the study guide. I started working on it right after breakfast. But first I needed to clean the kitchen. I usually listen to a podcast while I’m doing housework. As I searched for a podcast to catch my interest, I came across a Tony Evans pod episode titled ‘Trusting God in a Storm: Part 1.’ It is a 20 min portion of a sermon. The title seemed to fit my situation.

The first sentence in the sermon spoke of a test in school. I knew I picked the right episode. Dr. Evans went on to make the point that during an exam the teacher doesn’t talk to you. You have to face the test armed with the knowledge provided over an extended period of time. These final exams had a higher weight than any other exam. These exams put your knowledge and understanding of the content to a test.

In Mark 4:35-41, there is a story about Jesus and the Disciples traveling after Jesus preached to a multitude of people. He indicated to the disciples that they should go to the other side of the place where they were camped. The disciples were obedient and took Jesus in the boat to go where he had directed them. But in route they hit a severe storm. During the storm Jesus was in the stern asleep. He was quiet.

I thought about this storm of grief, sadness and anger that I have felt over the past months since my Mother’s death. And I’ve been wondering what God wanted me to do with these emotions. How can I still glorify him in the midst of this trauma?

And then it hit me. The test isn’t over. That must be why God is quiet. It is why I don’t have an answer. It is why I don’t feel as if I have been given any divine instructions or guidance. To some degree I feel like I have been left to figure this out on my own.

Now my faith isn’t wavering. The disciples were obedient and they still were severely tested. But I have the study guide. And life as a Christian is an open book test. I just need to keep studying. The teacher will let me know how I’m doing. And what to do next. I just want this test to be over.

Thank you to Bold Journey for the nice interview and article!

Meet Alan Goodman - Bold Journey Magazine We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alan Goodman. We hope

I was in my office on Tuesday, I took a picture of my desk with the tissue box and wrote the post that I shared earlier this week. But there was something that happened afterwards that I want to share.

So as I shared the post, I started to cry again. As I was dabbing my eyes with tissue, I realized that I had to make it to my first meeting of the day. I only had 2 meetings- the first was an hour session and the second was a 2 1/2 hour small group session. I certainly didn’t feel like peopleing at the moment but I had to push through. My goal was just to get through the work day and head home. I took a deep breath and a swig or 2 of water as I was leaving my office.

The first meeting was in an auditorium. I settled in closer to the front with only one person in my row. It was hard to focus and the subject matter was not exciting in the least. But at least most of the attendees were behind me and I didn’t really have to talk to them. But I could still flip through my phone without the presenters noticing that I wasn’t paying full attention.

I said hello to a couple of co-workers after the meeting. With my social battery running low, I wanted to get back to my office. On the way, I remembered that I didn’t bring lunch and I had an hour before my next meeting. So I made the decision to head over to the lunchroom in another building.

As I was walking down the hall I saw a student walking towards me. We nodded to each other as we passed in the hallway. I noticed that he wasn’t sure where he was going. I took a few more steps and thought about another post I shared about helping people when you are in pain. I was not at my best but that does’t mean I get to ignore someone else in need. So I walked back over to the student.

Me: Hello. Do you need some help?
Student: Yes (pause). OMG. Didn’t I see you on TV before?
Me: You may have.
Student: Yes it was on Fox. Or maybe TMJ4. I remember the interview. This is amazing!

God has this way of reminding you of his track record. He is still in the blessing business. Even though you feel down and at times alone, we can’t forget that God is there with us and still opening doors of opportunity. On the mountain top or in the valley. In the Lions Den, the fiery furnace or the big fish. In your greatest success and your worst failure. He’s there. At that moment, he knew that I needed the reminder of the plans he has for me.

Philippians 4:6-7: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

When I founded A Goodman’s Desserts in 2018, I was completely new to the food industry. I knew how to run a business in corporate America, but this was completely different. And while I had experience in a number of industries, the Food industry was not on of them. So I had to feel my way through. And I really felt clueless at times (I still do) as I continue to learn how to navigate the food industry on the fly.

But I found FaB Wisconsin - Food and Beverage Wisconsin. Fab is a cross industry food and beverage organization. Its membership is comprised of foood businesses large and small that are based in Wisconsin. Businesses like Haribo, Sendik’s and Palermo’s to name a few.

I joined and was able to take advantage of their vast amount of resources from workshops to webinars and just networking with the other members. With any group I join, I first take a look at the Leadership. Ion this case, the Leadership Council. One day, A Goodman’s Desserts will grow up to be like these businesses. One day. I’m not there yet. But it’s a process.

So, as I was scrolling through my email last week, I came upon a note from Emily Allen, the Communications Director from FaB. I assumed it was a reminder of an upcoming event. But, to my surprise, it was an invitation to be the newest member of the FaB Leadership Council.

Visit FaB's page for more information about this wonderful organization and the Leadership Council: https://fabwisconsin.com/

I don’t know what God is up to but I’m just going to have faith and appreciate the journey.

Imagine walking into the Greater Milwaukee Urban League Black and White Ball and your product is on every table. And as soon as we sat down this video started the program. What an amazing experience.

GMUL Chef

The Lean Camps are rolling along!

In partnership with City on a Hill - Milwaukee we will be holding the latest installment of the YEA! Youth Entrepreneur Workshop University in the 707 Hub on December 11th from 5-8PM.

We will be discussing 2 of my favorite topics: Entrepreneurship and Lean. We will use games, hands on activities and videos to share tools for problem solving, waste identification and root cause analysis.

Use the link below to sign up your child for the FREE after school session. This is the last one for the year so don’t miss it.

YEA! Youth Entrepreneurship Accelerator Workshop @ Marquette University Attention all young entrepreneurs - Take control of your future by gaining the mindset to start a life-changing business. Held at Marquette!

God is always on time.

So last night was pretty amazing! I haven’t really found the words for it.

The Greater Milwaukee Urban League 38th Annual Black and White Ball was more than a normal event. It was a major milestone for me personally. But even more than I expected.

A Goodman's Desserts signature dessert, The Bourbon Bread Pudding, was served to nearly 1,000 guests at this prestigious event at the Baird Center. And from what I’ve heard so far, it received rave reviews.

If that wasn’t enough, I was featured in 2 videos during the program. The first captured my collaboration with Chef Mike and the .restaurants on the dessert prep. The second was another feature on the Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Connection.

I know Patrice Rushen was the star performer, but I left the Ball feeling like a star. I now see why my title for the event was “Celebrity” Chef.

Thank you to the Greater Milwaukee Urban League for this opportunity.

Thank you to for making me look and feel like a celebrity.

And a special thank you to one of my favorite people Tangela Buford Wilson for believing in me. Love you❤️

And I was happy to share this moment with my wife Lisa . Thank you for capturing the moments as I was just sitting there amazed.

My emotions came crashing down this morning. This is all due to my Mom and her vision. She was a lover of all things classy and would have thoroughly enjoyed this event. She would have been proud.

When I look back on my career to date, I’ve had the opportunity to have a diverse set of experiences in corporate America. I learned from each one and apply that experience to my current roles as College Educator at Milwaukee Area Technical College and Business Owner of A Goodman's Desserts.

I have my Mom to thank. My Mom, Rose Maxine Goodman, was a visionary. She strategically positioned my Brother, Sister and I to attend the best schools in Philly, and to choose colleges that would enhance our education, character and career choices. All of the forced participation in Church programs turned an introvert into a willing speaker at National Conferences.

My Mom is on my mind today. I lost my Mom on September 7th, 2023 but it seems like yesterday. She wasn’t sick or in a nursing home.She didn’t pass away as a result of an accident. She was murdered in her own home by an unknown assailant during a home invasion. He broke into her home, our family home, and shot her to death. She had just turned 80 years old. Her life needlessly and ruthlessly taken away.

And it hurts. I and my family are grief stricken. And grief is a years long process. I just started my Grief and Trauma sessions with my therapist. But the rays of sunshine I chose to focus on are the wonderful memories and reflections on my time with my Mom and the example that she set for me in life.

My Mom was an educator. She started out volunteering at my Elementary School - Albert M Greenfield School - and then became a teachers aide. She loved working with children. The same as I do with my Lean camps with City on a Hill Milwaukee and teen Sunday school.

And she taught me how to cook and bake. Instead of a traditional punishment for skipping the library to play basketball (and lying about it), she made me stay in the house and help her cook and bake. And I learned to love it. And this moment started the process that would result in the birth of my Dessert business in 2018.

In fact, my Mom toyed with the idea of opening up a Peanut Butter and Jelly shack when I was a child. At the time we had lots of laughs as we teased her about it. But, in hindsight, it could have been a successful business in the 80’s. But she was subliminally planting a seed that took over 30 years to sprout into my own food business.

So I am going to keep making her proud. And honoring what she poured into me. And I’m going to fight for both of our dreams.

And you should too. I usually don’t usually share this type of story in LinkedIn but it was on my heart to encourage someone to move on that idea that is in your heart. It’s there for a reason. Someone planted a seed that is waiting to grow into something beautiful. Just do it. Go for it while you have time.

Because tomorrow is not promised.

I’ve been blessed to have a lot of roles in my career. God has moved me into a ton of opportunities where no door even existed.

I didn’t see this new title coming at all.

“Celebrity Chef.”

My mom would be proud. ❤️

So I am in the final stages of my commercial packaging design for the bread pudding. I chatted with my Mom a couple of months ago about a couple of picture options the box. These were 2 of the options.

Hey Friends!

If anyone, or if you know anyone, is interested in being a Full Time Culinary Instructor at Greendale School let me know. Check the link for the details.

WECAN Vacancy 179423 - WECAN

So all of the votes are counted and my run for Chef Carla Hall’s Favorite Chef has come to an end. But I want to thank everyone who voted, shared with their networks, paid for votes and just encouraged me. I appreciate you. ❤️

Hey friends! So I want to give you some context as to how much I appreciate your support in this Favorite Chef contest.

As you know, I have until Thursday end of day to be in the top spot. If you look at this link, you will see all of the people in my group that didn’t make the cut. But I did thanks to you.

https://favchef.com/browse/2023/group-968a7111

So I’m in 3rd. And I need to get to 1st to move forward. I will be reminding you now, tomorrow and Thursday to vote.

The link to vote is the same.

https://favchef.com/2023/alan-goodman

We’ve come far together and I just wanted to say Thank you! ❤️

Hey friends! This week is the Top 10 vote. I’m currently 3rd but I need move up a bit as the Top 5 vote starts on 7/6. Please take a minute to vote for me today for free. The voting breaks down as follows for the next few weeks:

Top 10: 6/29-7/6
Top 5: 7/6-7/13
Group Finals: 7/13-7/20
Wildcard Round (for 2nd place contestants): 7/21-23
Quarterfinals: 7/24-8/3
Semifinals: 8/4-10
Finals: 8/11-17

Phew!

So please please keep voting and thank you! ❤️

Is Alan Goodman your Favorite Chef? One chef will win $25k, an advertorial feature in Taste of Home, and a cooking experience with Carla hall.

Good morning and thank you for voting me into the 3rd round! Please keep voting to help me make it to round 4. I appreciate you! ❤️

Is Alan Goodman your Favorite Chef? One chef will win $25k, an advertorial feature in Taste of Home, and a cooking experience with Carla hall.

Thank you to Brandy Watkins at Brandy Watkins Beauty for squeezing me in the schedule today for my monthly facial. I’ve had several compliments about my glowing skin. 😃

Running some errands with the Daughter, I decided to stop over to Concoctions MKE on Brady St for a frozen treat. The drinks come with or without spirits.

The bonus was chatting with Hyacinth. It’s rare that we see each other twice in a day.

As a business owner, I still make some deliveries as it allows for customer interaction and networking. I get to see who is actually ordering my product and learn a bit more about them - their personality, tastes and even family details.

When I make a delivery, I follow the directions without any deviation so I dont get lost or turned around and arrive late.

On this Juneteenth morning, I had to deliver to an address in Waukesha. When I arrived, I looked at the building, checked the address, and looked again as I was expecting an office building or something of the sort.

I wasn’t expecting an order from Chick-fil-A.

When I started my business, I had a dream of having my product in a major chain. Celebrate the small victories.

Hey! It’s Day 3! Time to vote again. You will get this note from me for the next week and a 1/2. That’s just how the voting works. Thanks I’m advance!

https://favchef.com/2023/alan-goodman-2

Is Alan Goodman your Favorite Chef? One chef will win $25k, an advertorial feature in Taste of Home, and a cooking experience with Carla hall.

I need your vote! I’m a contestant in the Favorite Chef competition! Voting begins on Monday, June 12th @ 10AM PT (Noon CT, 1 ET). I need your vote, your family, your friends (heck even if they aren’t your friend) to vote for me. Why? With enough votes, I get to move to the next round and one step closer to $25k, a 2 page ad in Taste of Home Magazine and a once in a lifetime cooking experience with Chef Carla Hall. Vote me please!

This is the link:

https://favchef.com/2023/alan-goodman

You get one free vote a day from 6/12 to 6/22. Thank you in advance!

Is Alan Goodman your Favorite Chef? One chef will win $25k, an advertorial feature in Taste of Home, and a cooking experience with Carla hall.

Cookie Sale for the Holidays!

Shop our Cookie Sale from now until 12/31/22 - While Supplies Last!

A Goodman’s Desserts: Get 20% off your Cookie Order - While Supplies Last! $50 Min Order Click here for a free 20% off coupon at A Goodman’s Desserts. Get 20% off your Cookie Order - While Supplies Last! $50 Min Order

Cookie Sale for the Holidays!

Shop our Cookie Sale from now until 12/18/22 - While Supplies Last!

UPDATE: Use ‘HOLIDAYSALE3’ as the promo code.

A Goodman’s Desserts: Get 20% off a A Good Butter Cookie - 3 Pack DD the next time you visit! Click here for a free 20% off coupon at A Goodman’s Desserts. Get 20% off a A Good Butter Cookie - 3 Pack DD the next time you visit!

are back in session in ! Project Pitch It is looking for or (ages 13-18) with a or "Big Idea" to apply to audition for Season 7. Please share this application link with your favorite : https://projectpitchit.com/studentpitch/
The application deadline is September 26, 2022.

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee UWM Lubar Entrepreneurship Center BizTimes Media
Lubar Entrepreneurship Center

Business Owners, please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to promote your business.

! Apply now to audition for 7 of Project Pitch It! Click here: https://projectpitchit.com/entrepreneurs/

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee UWM Lubar Entrepreneurship Center BizTimes Media

Failure. Anytime you take a risk there is a likelihood of failure. It’s just part of life. So the best thing to do is to look back and celebrate productive failures and successes in your life.

I was reminded today of a risk I took in 2019. Funny thing is that I didn’t even know this article hit the JS this morning. 😀

A 'Shark Tank'-style business competition returns to Milwaukee's near west side A 'Shark Tank'-style business competition encourages business startups on Milwaukee's near west side.

The RevUp MKE Pitch Competition is a game changer for any business. Apply today!

Rev-Up MKE to revitalize Near West Side, Sept. 14 - Marquette Today Rev-Up MKE, an annual small business contest that aims to revitalize commercial corridors in Milwaukee’s Near West Side, will return on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 5 p.m. in The Rave/Eagles Ballroom as a signature event during Near West Side Week. Admission is free. Past winners include Pete’s Pops,...

2019 Rev-Up MKE Winner A Goodman's Desserts specializes in bread pudding and butter and lemon cakes derived from family recipes out of a kitchen space in the Ambassador Hotel. Launching in 2018, A Goodman's Desserts was able to quickly expand thanks to the resources provided by Rev-Up MKE. Entrepreneurs can follow Alan Goodman's example and apply to participate in this year's Rev-Up MKE on NWSP's website.