If anyone knows how to pivot from a traditional job to entrepreneurship, it’s Kim Gros, founder of SteelCraft, a company that creates outdoor urban eateries from repurposed shipping containers. Starting in 2107 in Long Beach, California, Gros later expanded to outposts in Bellflower and Garden Grove.

Gros — with a leap of faith and a loan — built eateries where tourists and locals can eat artisanal food, drink craft beer, and enjoy community events in a shared safe space. 

Gros decided to dive into the food industry with little knowledge and abundant determination. She curated her business from start to finish with the help of economic development partners and an idea that would stand out: using shipping containers — a common sight in Long Beach (the second largest port in the world) — as a dining space. Gros shares how she executed her business plan from scratch. 

Listen to Gros as she describes the ups and downs of implementing a business idea and shares her advice for navigating unexpected challenges and honing in on making your dream a reality, on this episode of SheVentures. 

2:12 Kim Gros reflects on growing up with inspiring people 

13:09 How to utilize human resources tactics in entrepreneurship 

17:10 How did the creation of SteelCraft happen? 

21:22 How SteelCraft partners with vendors 

24:27 The three core values of SteelCraft 

29:00 Where can you learn more about SteelCraft?

30:05 Closing advice from Gros on finding your passion