Help Patrick Lanier Keep Truckin

Hi, my name is Ariel D. Smith, host of The Food Truck Scholar Podcast, and I am fundraising for a past podcast guest and food truck owner Patrick Lanier . He is the owner of Lip Smackin Creations Food Medic in Nashville, TN. I first met Patrick in February 2019 when I visited Nashville to interview his friend Terry Key, and I immediately gravitated towards his story and decided to interview him as well. With his ambulance-turned-food truck, Patrick truly has been a first responder in his own way, serving others however he could. Now he needs his city to have his back.

After spending 14.5 years in federal prison, Patrick started a food truck to not just give himself a fresh start, but to be a beacon of light and hope for all around him that anything is possible. He has dedicated time to be present at career days at schools to share his journey and inspire countless students to follow their passion. He has mentored young adults to give them a space to be seen and heard. And whenever Patrick shows up to a school with the ambulance-turned-food truck with the flashing lights and his big and generous personality, students light up and never forget the experience. But his love for Nashville is not just for the youth; it's for everyone. When Nashville had to grapple with a devastating tornado in the midst of the initial onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Patrick was right there to help. He provided free meals to those who had lost everything and to those who were helping their neighborhoods and loved ones clean up the rubble. Now, with the pandemic spanning into yet another year, Patrick needs our help.

Covid has been difficult for many food trucks with event cancellations, labor shortages, supply chain shortages and inflations to name a few challenges. Patrick has found himself experiencing all of this, all while still trying to push forward to support his family with the food truck as his only means of support. Applying for federal relief has been difficult, stressful, and unsuccessful. Applying for funding in general has presented several challenges for many first time entrepreneurs. He has acquired a new truck that help him take his business further, but it will need to be compliant with new TN food truck regulations and he cannot afford to stay compliant without our help.

I am asking the community (near and far) to support Patrick to help him keep truckin. He needs $12,000 to put towards the following: a new generator, suppression system, fees for 2 front windshield windows, startup inspection fees, money for proper insurance on the new truck, and payroll to help meet his family's basic needs. If anyone is interested in purchasing his old food truck, that would be a HUGE help!!!

Any support is appreciated. Even if you can't give, please share. All proceeds from this goes straight towards helping Patrick keep making his food truck dreams a reality. Patrick's story is one that has been near to my heart since I first heard it, and it would mean the world to me if we can help someone that has dedicated themselves to helping others.