Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bennett Maxwell, founder of Dirty Dough Cookies, located in Tempe, AZ, USA.

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

Dirty Dough was started in November of 2018 as a delivery-only service out of an apartment building at Arizona State University. The cookies were so popular that they would sell out almost every night! This led to the first storefront opening in Tempe, AZ, in March of 2020.

The name Dirty Dough refers to the inside of the cookie being "dirty" with more goodies and fillings than any other cookie. A Dirty Dough cookie is messy and imperfect, exactly how they were meant to be. Our cookies embody our life motto- "it's what on the inside that counts!"

At Dirty Dough, we spread the message of proudly owning who you are, imperfections and all. We stand for authenticity and self-acceptance, encouraging others to come as they are, knowing that just like our cookies, what really matters is on the inside.

Tell us about yourself

I have always loved business, and I love eating cookies, so I thought buying an existing cookie company would be a great idea! Turns out, running a business that serves food is much different than anything else I have done and has been a fun challenge. I have enjoyed working on Dirty Dough and implementing processes to quickly scale the business to dozens of locations between multiple states.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am very proud of the team I have been able to put together at Dirty Dough, with advisory board members that have founded and grown brands to 450+ franchises to our CEO, who founded and grew her company to over 600 franchises. Having talented people that and done what I am trying to do is key to success.

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

Being a business owner brings on loads of stress. Finding a healthy work-life balance while managing stress is definitely the most stressful part of a business.

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

  1. Surround yourself with people who have done what you are trying to do.
  2. Focus on simplicity.
  3. Have a higher purpose for being in business than just making money. Purpose-driven companies are always easier to put your heart and soul into

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I believe Dirty Dough to be the most simplistic food franchise model that exists today. The simplicity allows more entrepreneurs to successfully run a franchise business, giving them the skill and confidence they need to succeed in future endeavors. Although we only have one store, in just two months, we have been able to sign over 30 franchise stores which will provide a high income for the franchise owners create hundreds of jobs while bringing delicious, warm cookies to thousands of customers.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://dirtydoughcookies.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dirtydoughcookies/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirty_dough/

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.