Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jason Thomas, Founder of Pili Hunters, located in Bend, OR, USA.

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

Pili Hunters. We are the Original North American Purveyor of Sprouted Pili Nuts. Ideal for Keto, Paleo Vegan, and anyone who loves nuts.

Tell us about yourself

I was a mountain guide by profession. I had an injury and moved on from guiding. I had no business experience. My love of the outdoors brought me around the world, first for mountains, then for kitesurfing.

It was a kitesurfing trip back in 2013-14 that I stumbled upon these amazing nuts. I absolutely love introducing people to the product. Most have no idea it exists. I have seen how the food system works and the corporate folks behind it.

I love shaking things up and fighting them.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Creating a buzz about a product that no one has ever heard of. And we did it with very little money and a lot of effort. Also, the thousands of jobs we've created.:)

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

The hard work. The food industry can be tough. Tight margins and no protection from knockoffs.

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

  1. Passion! without it, it's just too damn hard, and you will fall by the wayside.
  2. Embrace the struggle of running a business, learn from it, and grow with it.
  3. Have a good lawyer write up contracts early on, and they will pay for themselves over time.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Thanks so much, and check us out at Pilihunters.com. Always take a moment to see where you are spending your money. Learn about the founders. If you feel a connection and that they are doing things you like, then invest by supporting them, which in turn should be helping others.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://eatpilinuts.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatpilinuts/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilihunters/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eatpilinuts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pili-hunters/

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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