From early on, Jeff Barclay had an entrepreneurial heart.  This led him to open his first Mr. Goodcents location with business partner Scott Ritter in 1999.  This has grown to four locations and diversified to include a concession business as well as a full service catering company.  Recently, Jeff branched into fine dining when he and Scott purchased Venue Restaurant and Lounge, one of Lincoln’s favorite restaurants.  Venue offers a team of chefs who create daily features, an ambiance second to none and a staff who cares about the patrons.  They are also excited to add Venue to their network of catering to offer the highest quality food and service while meeting their customer budgets for any occasion.

Tell us a little about your family.
I have a beautiful wife to be, Amber Carper, and together we have a beautiful 8- month-old daughter named Brynn.  We are excited to be married in September.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
I try to see every day as a potential turning point.  I believe in the law of attraction and looking back on different accomplishments in my life, it has been open-mindedness and optimistic attitude that has led to positive results.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Spend time with loved ones, hack around on the golf course, and think about how to improve our business.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain and went sky diving and cliff jumping in the Swiss Alps a few summers ago.  I love once in a lifetime opportunities and am usually not shy in trying new things.

What are you the most proud of?
Personally, my family and professionally, that we have a growing business with many great staff members and customers.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Do what you do well and do a lot of it.

What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
To build an organization that does over 50 million in revenue annually.

How would your friends describe you?
A person who cares, follows through with his word, is not afraid to make a decision, and is always willing to say yes.  I hope fun and sometimes funny.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Making people laugh.

Which talent would you most like to have?
A photographic memory.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would tighten up my organization skills.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
How to Win Friends and Influence People

What is your favorite movie?
So many, but a couple I can start at any point and watch are Forrest Gump, Shawshank Redemption, Christmas Vacation, and A Christmas Story, just to name a few.

What is your favorite TV show?
I’m guilty, reality T.V.: Apprentice, Survivor, Biography shows

What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant?
Hmmm.  Glad you asked.  For quick service Goodcents, and for fine dining Venue.  I do love food and think there are a lot of great choices.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Warren Buffet in one of our private dining rooms at Venue.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Jeff Barclay at LinkedIn or visit www.yourvenue.net or www.mrgoodcents.com.