On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the Daviess County CEO Cohort stepped into the fast-paced world of food truck entrepreneurship during a visit to Big Al’s Place at 4 E. National Highway in Washington. Owner Allen Brown welcomed the students and shared his experiences from ten seasons in the food truck business.
Allen’s passion for food entrepreneurship was influenced by his mother’s 30-year career in catering, while BBQ has always been a personal passion of his. A talented entrepreneur and handyman, Allen also builds his own food trailers.
This season marks an important transition for Allen, as he plans to retire from the food truck business and pursue another dream. He reminded students that success does not always mean staying on the same path and encouraged them to be willing to embrace change and new opportunities.
He emphasized that failure is not a bad thing as long as you learn from it. He encouraged students to learn from mistakes, make adjustments, and use those experiences to grow.
The cohort also received a firsthand look at the realities of working in a food truck. Everyone had the opportunity to step inside the truck and experience just how confined the workspace can be. Allen explained that in the food truck business, ticket time is critical. Fast, accurate service requires preparation, organization, communication, and teamwork.
Other lessons focused on understanding industry rules and regulations, doing thorough research, and building positive relationships with health inspectors and other community partners. Allen also encouraged students to embrace innovation, remain open to re-branding, and view competition as an opportunity to improve.
One message Allen repeated was especially important: “Always build relationships.” Strong relationships with customers, employees, mentors, suppliers, and other business owners can be one of an entrepreneur’s greatest assets.
Allen also stressed the importance of having a solid business plan, reminding students, “You wouldn’t build a house without a plan.” He encouraged them to research their ideas, understand their costs, know their market, and make informed decisions.
The Daviess County CEO Cohort sincerely thanks Allen Brown and Big Al’s Place for their hospitality and for sharing such valuable, real-world lessons about entrepreneurship. We wish Allen the very best as he completes his final food truck season and begins pursuing his next dream.
