Cory "With The Keys" Simek, A Marketing Genius In Killeen, Texas

You may have heard "Cory with the Keys" in his attention-grabbing commercials singing or rapping to your favorite song in hopes of you coming to buy a car, but who is this guy?

Who is "Cory With The Keys"?

Cory Simek a.k.a. Cory "With the Keys" is, in my opinion, a marketing genius here in Killeen.

Cory grew up here in Central Texas in Belton, Temple, and Killeen.

Cory's Passion For Music And Performing

His inspiration for music came from his mom having a karaoke machine and him always rapping and singing.

His passion for music and his passion for the streets went hand-in-hand.

Cory joked to me that he would be the one selling weed and also singing in the school choir!

He would compete in freestyle kings competitions as well as poetry slams.

Young And Dumb

We both laughed about being young and dumb and making stupid decisions in our younger years.

Cory shared with me how he was once pulled over a drug-free school zone and spent six years in prison for selling drugs.

Incarcerated, But Made It Work For Him

The time he spent incarcerated made him realize that he could either stay in jail or come out mentally, spiritually, and physically a better person.

Cory says he read every book he could - he even took entrepreneurial and real estate classes while incarcerated.

Came Out With Nothing

While incarcerated, Corey was told he would be a good car salesman because of his gift of gab. When he got out, he took a job at Chili’s, but didn't intend to stay long. He said he was only able to afford one suit and tie, and on his lunch breaks would go to different car dealerships and interview.

He was denied by all of them but one.

At that specific car dealership, Cory was able to talk his way into a job. He told the manager he'd worked at a dealership in Dallas for the past six years (when he was actually in jail). He ended up getting the gig, where he made 100% commission selling cars!

3-time Felon? Don’t Matter…

Cory was able to start his own car dealership after buying one car, then another and another, and so on.

He had to overcome major hurdles to get his dealer's license, but he got it!

Great Relationships

After he was able to secure a job at that car dealership, he was able to work at other car dealerships in Killeen. In fact, Cory brags that he is probably the only one that can walk in selected dealerships in town with access to other car lots.

Customer Love

Cory told me he makes his customers feel special by calling them on their birthdays and doing a special Facebook video in honor of them.

Hopefully, his story is inspiring and he gives hope that you can do ANYTHING in life if you put your mind to it! Your past can only hold you back if you let it, and Cory is living proof.

Check him out at keyconnect.com or visit the dealership at 314 E. Veterans Blvd in Killeen!

Have You Had Any Of This Recalled Beef Jerky?

If you had beef jerky recently, or have a supply of jerky in your home you may want to trash it.

What’s Going On?

The USDA (Department of Agriculture) is putting out a recall on beef jerky products.

Last week, Boyd Specialties LLC, recalled over 1600 pounds of ready-to-eat jerky products that may be contaminated with listeria.

According to the announcement, there have been no confirmed reports of reactions due to the jerky and if anyone is concerned about an illness they should contact their healthcare provider.

The Food Service And Inspection Service suggests that if beef jerky is in your pantry or cabinets, it should be also thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

What is Listeria, And What Are The Effects Of It?

According to the announcement, listeria infection can be deadly to people with weakened immune systems, it also spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract.

It has been known to cause complications during pregnancy such as miscarriage, premature delivery, and life-threatening infections to the newborn,

Reportedly, it can also cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Is There A Cure, Can Listeriosis Be Treated?

According to the USDA announcement, Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics.

I know there are a lot of Texans who enjoy beef jerky and flavored beef jerky.

If I were you, I would take the advice of the United States Department Of Agriculture and wait to purchase jerky until there's an update.

Here are a list of jerky being recalled:

8 Ball Corner Pocket! Here Are A Few Pool Halls In Killeen, Texas To Check Out

Whether you're looking for a casual game with friends or you're looking for the best places to play some serious pool, here are some of the top spots for billiards in Killeen.

Wow! What I Saw When I Turned Left Inside Buc-ee's In Temple, Texas [PICS]

As the saying goes... everything's bigger in Texas.

Having said that, I've never seen a gas station with more than 50 gas pumps.

Then I visited Buc-ee's.

What is Buc-ee's?

If you don't know or have never visited the popular one-stop highway shop that has over 35 Texas locations in Texas, you need to!

You can get everything in Buc-ee's from gas, to keychains to candles to brisket to goat milk soap and everything in between.

Buc-ee's Has Expanded

According to their site, Buc-ee's, not only has multiple locations here in Texas, they have expanded to southern states like Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.

The World's Largest Buc-ee's Coming Soon

Later this year, Buc-ee's has plans to open "The World's Largest Buc-ee's" located in Sevierville, Tennesse. It will have 120 fuel pumps, a 250-foot car wash, and 74,000 square feet of indoor shopping.

Yikes!

I've Never Turned Left

In almost 7 years, I've been here in Texas, I've never turned left when I went inside a Buc-ee's.

I either walk straight to the bathroom or turn right to get water or gummy bears or chocolate almonds. (I get the same thing every time)

But yesterday, I decided to turn left and (I know I'm late) I was mesmerized!

For starters, I never had a reason to turn left.

I've visited the one in Waller County, Bastrop, and the Temple location.

Every time I've visited Buc-ee's, I've never had a reason to go "shopping" always a bathroom break and then back on the road.

So here are some of the cool things I saw when I turned left at Buc-ee's in Temple, Texas!