About Kendrick D. Goree

Kendrick Goree – Full Bio

Kendrick Goree was born and raised in Carthage, Texas, a small town where faith, family, and community shaped his early years. Though his beginnings were humble, Kendrick developed a strong work ethic and an ambition to build a better life. Like many young men, however, he faced challenges along the way. Those challenges ultimately led to a season of incarceration, a turning point that tested his resolve but also refined his purpose. “Prison could have broken me, but instead it built me. It taught me who I was and who I refused to be going forward,” Kendrick often reflects.

Upon his release, Kendrick took one of the only jobs available to him — washing dishes in the basement of the VA Medical Center. Though it may have seemed like a small start, Kendrick treated it as an opportunity. Over the years, he worked his way up through multiple promotions, eventually serving as a Management Assistant. His two decades of service at the VA became a testimony of perseverance, discipline, and the ability to rise from setbacks. “I started with a dish rag in the basement,” Kendrick says, “and after 20 years, I walked away as a respected leader. That’s what consistency and faith will do.”

Throughout this journey, Kendrick built a life with his wife, Tamekia. Their marriage, spanning more than 20 years, has been marked by both joy and trials, but together they have weathered storms and built a legacy of faith and family. They are the proud parents of two children, Kendrick II and Kynleigh, who continue to be a source of inspiration and motivation in all that Kendrick pursues. “My wife and kids are my reason why. They saw me at my lowest, and now they get to see me walking in my purpose.”

After retiring from federal service, Kendrick embraced entrepreneurship, founding Penguin Foods and Snow Cones. What began as a vision has grown into a successful BBQ and seafood brand known for its signature brisket dishes, loaded plates, and refreshing snow cones. With multiple trucks and an expanding customer base, Penguin Foods has become not just a business but a community staple. “Penguin Foods isn’t just about feeding people — it’s about creating moments, bringing communities together, and showing what’s possible when you don’t quit on yourself.”

But Kendrick’s vision has always stretched beyond food. Out of his passion for inspiring others, he created Empowerment With a Purpose (EWAP) — a platform dedicated to motivating people to rise above their struggles, discover their potential, and walk boldly in their God-given calling. Through EWAP, Kendrick shares his story, builds community initiatives, and encourages others to live with purpose and power. “My mission is simple: to empower God’s people to fulfill their purpose,” he declares.

Now, Kendrick is adding another chapter to his journey as an author. His debut book, Make It Happen, is more than a title — it’s the mantra of his life. The book captures his personal story of struggle and success, while offering readers practical wisdom, encouragement, and faith-filled motivation to take action on their own dreams. “I don’t just write about success — I write about scars, because that’s where the real lessons are.”

From a small-town upbringing in Carthage, to a prison cell, to the halls of the VA, to the food truck window, and now to the author’s desk, Kendrick Goree’s life embodies transformation. His story is proof that with faith, determination, and a relentless spirit, it is possible to overcome every obstacle and build a future worth fighting for.

Kendrick continues to live out his mission daily: to empower, inspire, and serve — one meal, one message, and one life at a time.