The Surprising Story Behind an AI Meal-Planning App with Mark Semmelbeck

The Hidden Entrepreneur Show with Josh Cary

What does a petroleum engineer with 35 years in the oil and gas industry know about creating a hit meal-planning app? More than you think. Mark Semmelbeck’s journey from running drilling operations to running a tech startup is as surprising as it is inspiring.

In this episode, you’ll hear how a simple Sunday visit to his daughter sparked the idea for A Better Meal, a smart, AI-powered meal-planning app that brings joy back to the kitchen. Mark shares his transition into entrepreneurship, his unexpected lessons in consumer tech, and why he believes healthy eating should be simple, personalized, and fun.

Whether you’re a seasoned home chef, a “cook only when you must” type, or an entrepreneur looking to pivot into a new industry, Mark’s story delivers both practical tips and a reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

From Oil to Apps: How Mark went from petroleum engineer to tech entrepreneur without a background in food or software.

The Problem Worth Solving: The Sunday afternoon meal-prep frustration that inspired A Better Meal.

AI in the Kitchen: How artificial intelligence is transforming meal planning, cooking skills, and grocery shopping efficiency.

Making Healthy Eating Fun: Why gamification and bite-sized cooking videos can turn even reluctant cooks into confident creators.

Overcoming the Crowded Market Challenge: How A Better Meal stands out from other meal-planning and delivery services.

Family Collaboration: How Mark’s son joined the mission, bringing his videography skills to produce high-quality cooking tutorials.

The June App Release: Sneak peek at the new features, including 80+ video classes, curated meal plans for athletes, and AI-powered ingredient cross-usage.