Meet Terry Nelson and Erica Lamarr | Co-CEOs

We had the good fortune of connecting with Terry Nelson and Erica Lamarr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Terry, Erica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

Erica-My business idea was born 13 years ago when I was successful on weight watchers and seeking healthier options when dining out. I wanted to pursue creating a restaurant that catered to points and made it easier for members to stay on their paths. I thought by designing a menu in points and creating a system that linked to their membership that would automatically track what they ordered, thus freeing them from the dreaded worry of what will I order and will I track it. Needless to say, Weight Watchers wasn’t interested in my idea! A wise entrepreneur then told me to do my own thing. I decided to try for a healthy based food truck but as time went on I realized that I don’t love to cook and could have my food truck and hire a health conscientious chef. I then realized I could make more money by starting my food truck and opening a food truck park also. I wanted to have a monthly movie night as a Friday night feature and when I met my business partner we visited a drive-in move theater and loved this family night out. We had an epiphany…why not open a combination business of a food truck park AND a drive-in movie theatre and have the best of both worlds!

Terry-when I met my business partner I fell in love with her business dream and realized that my marketing background and promotional skills would be an asset to her vision. I went to school in New York for marketing and have strong history in business. I was all in with creative ideas. I thought of the name 6 City Drive-In & Food Truck Park during our marketing research when we realized that there are 6 city’s within a 10 mile radius of our ideal location that we wanted to cater to. We are an amazing team. I am the marketing side and she’s more the corporate department. Together we blended our talents and skills and are creating an entertaining experience bringing together the nostalgia of old school to a modern new school vibe.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Erica-I’ve been a nurse for over 20 years and have always prided myself in my bedside manor. My patients are my priority and I’ve always mixed empathy with a little humor to bring a smile on their faces during a time when they need to know that someone cares about what they’re going through.

Terry-I’ve been in customer service for over 20 years in many different facets of my career. I have a way of speaking with people that makes them feel like we’ve been friends for years. I’ve been told my smile could even be seen under my mask and definitely heard in my voice. I’ve learned that just being me has always been enough to make me successful in everything I endeavor. I feel that we are stronger by diving into uncharted waters and learning to adjust, readjust and adapt to the challenges of starting a new business. We have faced barricades and remained vigilant in our pursuit to bring excitement and family fun to our community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would bring them to 6 City! Whether it’s a movie, sporting event, concert, comedy show, a private party or any of our planned evens they would be guaranteed to have a great time. We’ve come to learn that delicious food, good music and fun makes for an unforgettable experience that would leave them reminiscing for years to come.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

We would dedicate our shoutout to our community.  We’ve received an abundance of appreciation because we are acknowledging the memories of isolation during the height of the pandemic and the need to remedy the feelings of seclusion and loss of social interaction. We wanted to bring a safe, fun and family friendly outing back to the city.  We are thankful for the support we have been blessed to receive along our journey!

Website: www.6citydriveinfoodtruckpark.com

Instagram: 6citydriveinfoodtruckpark

Facebook: 6 City Drive-In & Food Truck Park

Other: Email: Info@6citydriveinfoodtruck.com

Image Credits
The UPS store, Fiverr and Canvas