Meat That Matters - High Time Foods
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Damian Felchlin, Co-Founder of High Time Foods, located in Boston, Massachusetts.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our mission at High Time Foods is to provide nutritious plant-based meat alternatives that are better for people, the planet, and our future. While there are many plant-based products on the market, my co-founder Aakash Shah and I were tired of seeing the same thing on menus: plant-based burgers or nuggets. We spoke to many chefs who felt similarly: food is diverse and multicultural, but there are few cuisines and dish-agnostic plant-based products out there. Furthermore, the products available all require refrigeration, which limits distribution across the globe and leads to additional environmental and financial costs along the entire supply chain. Because our plant-based meat is cuisine-agnostic, every chef, regardless of their cuisine, can use it in dishes just as they would minced chicken. Our product is also shelf-stable, so it can be shipped anywhere in the world and has a shelf life of up to one year.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in a small town in Switzerland, where the natural world was an important part of daily life and where I learned early on that our actions have a direct impact on our environment. After years of living in the US, working in the food import industry, and advising over 20 food companies throughout my career, I was looking to join a company that was not just focused on food but that was also helping slow the effects of climate change. When I met Aakash at Babson, I was immediately inspired by his mission and vision for High Time Foods. I am motivated to do what I do because I know there’s a clear connection between meat production and greenhouse gas emissions, and providing delicious and healthy plant-based meat alternatives feels like a step, however small, in the right direction.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We recently launched our product at the Mexican restaurant chain Boloco and now have our product in a diverse range of restaurants around Boston. When you work tirelessly for months to line up suppliers, source ingredients, and run production, and then you get to see actual customers enjoying what you helped create, there’s really no greater feeling. Our team also was able to make this all happen in less than three months when the industry standard is usually 1 to 2 years.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think one of the hardest things is being able to keep your team and yourself motivated through the ups and downs of working at a startup. As a co-founder, there isn’t always someone to rely on above you, so you really have to depend on yourself and your team. I am very lucky to have a great co-founder, so that definitely helps when you are trying to weather the challenges of running a business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you start a business with a mission you are truly passionate about; otherwise, you will not last long.
- Don’t get too discouraged by the nos. You can get many nos, but all you need is one, yes.
- Surround yourself with the right people - the team members, advisors, mentors, and investors who share your passion and believe in you. It makes all the difference.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.hightimefoods.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hightimefoodsco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianfelchlin/
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