Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Pete Garbowski, founder of BULK, located in Johnson City, TX, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are BULK, American Made, American Sourced Jerky, and Snacks. We manufacture in JC, TX, and source all of our raw ingredients from US sources, focusing on All Natural and Sustainable.

Tell us about yourself

Back in 2004, when I started my career after college, a beef jerky company told me no to my sales pitch - for some reason, it stuck with me. I ended up pursuing the plan I pitched because it made sense. I ran the business as a side hustle until 2015, then took it full time.

I'm in the food business because I see the garbage that is putting into the marketplace, and consumers are looking for a better-localized food sourcing system. The food industry is gobbled up by major corporations running the food chain. After seeing what COVID did to the world, It was double satisfaction knowing this business chose me, and I continue to embrace it. I'd like to change the way food products are brought to market.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We've made it this far bootstrapped with no investors. Will maybe hit $10m this year.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

You have to manage it all and really have knowledge of every aspect of the business. You're 24/7. You don't get to walk away when things get tough; it's your lively hood on the line.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Choose something you like doing.
  2. Sticking to it creates opportunities - figure a way out to keep the doors open.
  3. It's ok to start it as a side hustle, finance will be a big factor, and you will have to find a way to support your life and the business.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

You will screw up; you will fail; you will have expensive mistakes. It's part of the process. I'd also recommend getting into business groups and reading as much material as possible on business, management, and leadership. Being the founder requires a tremendous amount of energy and stress management.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.bulkbeefjerky.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bulkjerky
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bulkbeefjerky/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bulkbeefjerky
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-garbowski-568a32/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.