Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heather Terry, Co-Founder and CEO of GoodSam PBC, located in Greenwich, CT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
GoodSAM Foods is a food company on a mission (in fact, SAM stands for Sustainability, Action, Mission). As a company, we work solely in Regeneratively Farmed systems, directly with farmers (we've eliminated middlemen and brokers, which has our partners making up to 2 times more), taking all the commercially viable crops and creating delicious, better-for-you products for the US market. Our Direct Trade model cuts out 3rd party fair trade certifications and has all of our fair trade dollars being invested directly back into the farmers, associations, cooperatives, and families we work with. As a result of our commitment to regenerative agriculture, GoodSAM makes products including chocolate, chocolate bars, chocolate confectionery novelties, nuts, seeds, superfoods, oils, and dried fruits. GoodSAM is more than any one product. Our customers are people who know that their purchases matter and anyone who wants to make a difference in the world!
Tell us about yourself
I've been in the natural products industry for over a decade. I'm also the founder of NibMor Chocolate, so I saw many things in my first company that I aimed to change with GoodSAM. Having run and had a hand in so many different companies throughout my career, I found this one to be very different. In developing GoodSAM, I found my true purpose in business and in life. It has changed my focus on everything, from being a leader to the way I parent.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Running this particular company at this moment in time is a huge success for me. I have dreamed of this since starting my first business. To have this much purpose, to have this particular team of individuals who are so dedicated to our work, to be able to do the work we do, to be a female leader in this chair- it is all a success.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being a business owner, the hardest things are managing cash flow, especially in a start-up, and employee expectations. Money and people! I think those might be universal in life, though?!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you understand the financial side of your business.
- Have a great product or service.
- Don't be afraid to make some noise or challenge the status quo.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://goodsamfoods.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherkterry
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodsam-pbc/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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