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Hidden Gems: Meet Ismael Jaber of Get Loaded Food Truck

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ismael Jaber.

Hi Ismael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a 21-year-old senior at Michigan State University studying Creative Advertising, but food has always been at the center of my life. My father has owned and run a successful food truck for nearly a decade, and I started working with him when I was 14. That’s where I learned the ins and outs of the business, from serving customers to handling the behind-the-scenes grind that keeps a truck running.

Right before I was set to take on an unpaid advertising internship, I decided to take a leap of faith and start something of my own. That’s how Get Loaded was born. We specialize in Loaded Fresh Cut Fries, Cheezy Mac and Cheese, and our famous Cheezy Crunch Nachos. Based in the Okemos/Lansing area, we love serving our local community, but we also enjoy hitting the road for big festivals and events across Michigan.

Running this truck for the past two years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I get to do things my way, building my brand, making decisions, and showing my love and passion through food. For me, this food truck is more than a business; it’s hands-on training for my advertising career. Owning a truck means being a chef, a server, a mechanic, a plumber, and even an accountant all at once. It’s real-world experience that I believe beats any big internship, because every day I’m learning, adapting, and connecting with people in a meaningful way.

This business truly suits me, and I’m proud to share my story because Get Loaded isn’t just about food; it’s about creativity, resilience, and doing what I love.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes, for the most part, it’s been a smooth road, but like any small business, there are always roadblocks along the way. Running a food truck means dealing with unexpected challenges, whether it’s equipment breaking down, weather affecting events, or just learning how to balance school, work, and business at the same time.

What’s helped me push through is staying adaptable and remembering why I started. Every challenge has taught me something new, and I think those lessons are what make the business stronger. At the end of the day, the struggles are just part of the journey, and they make the wins feel that much more rewarding.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Get Loaded is all about bold, comfort food done differently. We specialize in Loaded Fresh Cut Fries, Loaded Cheezy Mac and Cheese, and our signature Cheezy Crunch Nachos. Every dish is designed to be fun, hearty, and packed with flavor, the kind of food that makes people smile when they take that first bite.

What sets us apart is the experience. We don’t just serve food, we create moments. Our truck is built around energy, creativity, and passion. I want every customer to feel like they’re getting something special, not just a meal, but a memory. From local events in the Okemos and Lansing area to big festivals across Michigan, we bring that same excitement everywhere we go.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Get Loaded reflects who I am. I built it from the ground up, and I get to show my personality through the food, the name, the style, and the service. I think that authenticity is what connects with people.

What I’d want readers to know is simple: Get Loaded is about more than just fries and mac, it’s about passion, community, and putting love into everything we serve.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I believe the food truck industry will continue to grow over the next 5–10 years. People love the flexibility, creativity, and uniqueness that food trucks bring compared to traditional restaurants. I see even more trucks popping up at community events, music festivals, and private caterings because customers want fresh, local, and memorable experiences.

I also think technology is going to play a bigger role; things like mobile ordering, social media marketing, and location tracking are already huge, and they’ll continue to shape how food trucks connect with their audiences.

Another big shift I see is an even stronger focus on collaboration. Food trucks aren’t just competing, they’re teaming up with each other, with breweries, and with local businesses to create fun, community-driven events. That’s the part of the industry I’m most excited about, because it shows how much food trucks can bring people together.

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