• My name is Zach, we offer BBQ food.

When and how did you start your business?

• I started my business with my brother two years ago on July 11, 2019. It was stressful but you have to take a chance. I got tired of working for someone else. Before I managed bars and restaurants for 10 years in Portland and San Diego. 

What sacrifices have you had to make along the way?

• I had to sacrifice scheduling my tasks for work. They are very conflicting and there is not enough time. 

How has the pandemic affected you and your business?

• The pandemic has affected our plans to open up a second location. Even though we are a profitable business, it’s harder to get loans. 

What are the things that make you happy while working?

• Taking care of everyone in the community is what makes me happy while working. We donate a lot of food to different organizations in the community. 

What has been the most challenging part about owning a business?

• The most challenging part about owning a business is the stress of paying taxes, and putting extra money in savings in case I don’t open for a week and the Flipside bar is closed. 

Can you tell us about your family?

• I have a wife, 8 month old baby boy, and a 2 year 8 month old girl. My wife works at a Montessori school as a teacher. I have a brother whom I run this business with, and he has a fiancé. We all like to go to different places in our neighborhood, especially parks and green areas. 

What do you enjoy about our community?

• I enjoy that our community is family oriented. They support the people around the area and were open during the heatwave.

What changes would you like to see in your community? 

• I would like to see changes to help the homeless community. There is not enough housing for people. Loads of garbage, people with mental health issues, and very little steps to make change. 

A message you would like to share with teenagers.

•  Everyone needs to love each other, race, skin color, religion, nothing matters.

A message you would like to share to people in the Lents neighborhood.

• People have been good, very giving, and take care of the community.