Eduardo Garcia

When I slow down long enough to reflect on the road that brought me here, today, I am certain of a few things. I am the chef and co-founder of the food brand Montana Mex, a motivational speaker, outdoor enthusiast and athlete from southwest Montana. I have been fortunate enough to have traveled extensively which has fueled my passion for food and life a hundred times over. My adventures at home or abroad always revolve around anything and everything to do with exceptional tasting food, most of the time being cooked outside over a hotbed of coals.

"At the heart of these tasty bites I have found my connection with this world. It lies within the people, the places and the stories. This is what calls me back...time after time."

Cooking found me early in life. I cut my teeth at the age of 15, hustling over hot pans, flipping burgers and throwing pizzas. I found my rhythm in the fast paced city kitchens of Seattle, WA (where I attended culinary school). I know this sounds overly romantic, but truly I fell in love with my craft and became a Chef out on the high seas. I traveled the world as a private chef on luxury yachts and, quite simply, spent a decade flavor hunting for exceptional food experiences. It was during this time I began inviting others into the kitchen to play and cook with me. I was able to witness pure joy in others as we created food and life together. This incubator became my lab, and it was here that I had my "light bulb" moment. A meal is more than just what we eat but an integral part of what builds culture and brings people together. Inspired by my experiences abroad and my interest in no longer sleeping in a tiny bed below decks, I moved back to Montana and rallied with a few very committed individuals to co-found the food brand, Montana Mex. I am known as the Montana Mex "Emperor of Flavor," and it is my pleasure and opportunity to create Mexican inspired products jam-packed with flavor and goodness. Yes, that means no colorings, no chemicals, basically nothing to which Mom would disapprove.

Montana Mex – at its core – is about helping others. Shortly after founding the company I suffered a tragic incident that left me fighting for my life in the middle of the Montana wilderness. Undoubtedly a crux point in my life, this has become my trajectory moving forward. This event wasn’t a setback - it was a kick in the ass. Life is too short to settle for lukewarm. No more words needed, simply watch the documentary teaser at www.chargedfilm.com

When I am not on the road in support of the Challenged Athletes Foundation or public speaking in the hope of inspiring others I spend my remaining free time at home. Adventuring in the mountains, whether that's hiking, hunting or fishing, sharing with my family, looking after my chickens, showering ridiculous amounts of attention on my cat "Bing" or tending to a hotbed of coals and cooking for others in the great outdoors...

Accomplishments:

• Co-founding and running my food brand Montana Mex which is now nationwide in stores like Wholefoods, HEB, Fresh Market, HSN and so on.
• Hiking a few miles out of the woods by myself after being electrocuted and finding help.
• Making a documentary "Charged" about getting back up after trauma with a view to help others.

Foundations:

• Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)
• Competing in sporting events for with CAF, including Empire State Run-up, NYC Marathon, San Diego Triathlon (three years in a row), Million Dollar Challenge. Also, fundraising events including BTIG Charity Event in NYC each year.

What Mystery Ranch Packs do you Run?

• Scapegoat, Crew Cab - for hiking and hunting
• Metcalf - for backpacking

Other Sponsors:

• No actual sponsors but have worked with and wear gear for…
  • Saucony
  • Schnees
  • Yeti Coolers (who are the main sponsor of the Charged Documentary)
  • Champion Systems

Favorite Quote:

"A meal is not just what we eat, but a rich story of who we are"

"Milk the pulp out of life"

Additional Information:

Mystery Ranch Backpacks are featured in my upcoming feature length documentary ‘Charged’ - you can watch the trailer here www.chargedfilm.com and see them in action