A Veteran's Journey to Entrepreneurship - Begley's Butcher Block

Candace and Jesse Begley, owners of Begley’s Butcher Block share their story of a shared dream of owning a butcher shop into navigating the complexities of family life and lessons learned from Candace’s military service in the U.S. Marine Corps. 

Candace served four years in the Marines from 2008-2012, which was a decision based on her desire to be challenged and a deep-rooted family legacy of military service. With her father in the Air Force and a lineage of Marines on her mother’s side, joining the Marines felt like a natural choice. “I wanted the hardest branch in the military,” she recalls, acknowledging the rigorous training that initially left her questioning whether she made the right decision as she stepped off the bus at Parris Island. Yet, it was in that challenging environment that she said she discovered her strength, ability to lead and form bonds that would shape her future and last a lifetime. 

When she and her husband, Jesse decided to open their butcher shop on October 1, 2021, they did so with an awareness of the shift within the grocery industry.They observed and stated that many stores were “pivoting away from skilled meat wrappers, butchers and opting instead for prepackaged meats.” This change presented a unique business opportunity especially with Jesse’s 15+ years of meat experience. “In business, timing is everything,” Candance mentioned, and the couple stressed the importance of wanting to create a space where quality meat and personalized customer experience could not only co-exist, but thrive. 

Their vision was clear: to provide the community with an unparalleled meat-buying experience that centers around quality, education and customer interaction. By exclusively sourcing prime-grade products - what Candace described as the “Louis Vuitton of meat” - they positioned themselves to stand out in a competitive marketplace. Their choice of suppliers, including Greater Omaha beef and Bell & Evans chicken, was not just about taste, but also about providing something unique that would resonate with customers. 

They expressed a commitment to customer service that goes beyond the ordinary. Candace and Jesse create an environment where customers feel empowered and informed about what they’re putting into their bodies and where it’s coming from. “When customers are educated, they feel like they have power,” she emphasizes. Their monthly newsletter serves as a key tool in their effort to educate their customers and form connections. Their newsletter offers tips on cooking, grilling, and understanding the nuances of beef processing. To the Begley’s, this educational approach fosters loyalty and trust as customers appreciate transparency and the high level of expertise they receive when they walk into Begley’s Butcher Block.

The couple’s passion for quality is not just a business strategy; it’s deeply personal for them. Jesse Begley, with over 20 years of experience in the meat industry is a connoisseur who has dedicated himself to finding the best products. His research led them to host barbecue tastings in their home with friends and family to determine which meats truly stood out. Time and time again, Greater Omaha was chosen as a crowd favorite, solidifying their choice. “Just because we like something doesn't mean the community does,” Candace notes, while highlighting their adamancy and dedication to listening to what their customers want.  

Opening the butcher shop presented its own challenges, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple faced extensive delays in acquiring essential supplies to start their business which led to a race against time as they prepared to open doors. Candace reflects on the myriad of unexpected hurdles they encountered leading up to their grand opening - everything from needing to modify the shop's layout to accommodate meat cases to the intricacies of electrical requirements for their equipment. These challenges tested their resolve, but Candace’s military training equipped her with the mindset to adapt and overcome.

The pandemic illuminated the importance of communication. During a particularly challenging moment following Hurricane Helene, when their internet and cell services were down, the only way they could communicate with their customers was through their monthly newsletter. Thankfully, one of their staff members had minimal internet access and they were able to share updates of their store hours and how they can help families restore lost food. “We lost $30,000 worth in product, but our newsletter was our lifeline,” she comments.  This experience underscores the value of building a community and keeping customers informed, even in the face of adversity.

The Begleys also prioritize creating a welcoming environment that encourages interaction. Every member of their team is thoroughly trained, even if they come with little prior knowledge of meat. Candace believes that genuine engagement makes all the difference. “When customers walk in, they have knowledgeable staff who can answer their questions and provide insights,” she explains. This personal and human touch, not only sets them apart but also enhances the customer experience, creating a sense of belonging in their shop.

Balancing their entrepreneurial ventures with family life has required sacrifices. Candace candidly acknowledges the difficulty of juggling responsibilities, particularly as a mother to children with varying needs. “Timing is everything,” she advises other mothers looking to start their own business. For the Begley’s, the partnership they share is invaluable and rare. It’s also crucial while Jesse dedicates himself to running the shop for Candace to be able to take care of their children, ensuring they have a strong foundation. “My husband is in the shop 24/7, and that allows me the flexibility to be there for our kids,” she explains. 

Their collaboration extends beyond the shop; it’s a partnership that strengthens their marriage. Although running a business with your spouse can be challenging especially when there’s a need to separate business from personal lives. Candace states, “It’s all about teamwork.” They support each other through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and this shared experience has forged a deeper and stronger connection as they build a future for their children.

Candace’s advice for women considering opening their own business is both pragmatic and encouraging. She says, “Don’t give up on your dream. Take it day by day,” recognizing that many women face unique challenges, especially those without strong support systems and with young children. “It’s very hard for women without a strong support system,” she mentioned while expressing sincerest gratitude for the support of her mother and husband. However, she encourages aspiring business owners to start small and learn as they go. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and cautioning against the misleading information social media can give. Too often people focus on the glamorization social media creates and they don’t see the blood, sweat, tears and times of struggle behind the filtered photo posted on social media.

As they look to the future, the Begleys are open to exploring new directions for their business. They dream of expanding their community involvement, possibly by introducing more educational workshops or partnering with local farms. Their commitment to quality and customer service have assigned special days dedicated to their community outreach. The first Tuesday of every month is dedicated to veterans and first responders offering a discount for their service. The first Wednesday of every month is Senior Citizen Day, to support those in their community who may need extra care.

The Begley’s Butcher Block, owned and operated by Candace and Jesse Begley, has continuously expressed their desire to create a welcoming space for community members and personalize their interactions to meet their customers’ needs while educating them on their products.