Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ty Gustafson, owner of Story City Locker LLC., located in Story City, Iowa, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a small meat processor providing services to our customer farmers in Pork and Beef Slaughter. USDA, Organic, Humane Handling certified.
Tell us about yourself
Story City Locker practices ethical animal take-down and sustainable butchery. Though the business does fall short of operating completely sustainable, it practices and continuously expands sustainable methods within the operation, as the business permits.
I grew up in Northwest Iowa, helping my dad farm and raise pigs. As an adult, I worked my way into corporate leadership, which I ultimately became discontent with. I am a hunter with a heart for rural life and am happy to focus the bulk of my energy locally again, owning and operating Story City Locker.
Bobbie and I are proud to be mentored by Dale and Shirley Haupert, owner/operators of The Atlantic Locker in Atlantic, Iowa. Dale and his sons are long-time friends and hunting companions of mine. Dale and Shirley have operated the locker in Atlantic for more than 25 years.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Evolving our services to meet the demands of our customer base.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Learning all of the facets of being a business owner. From not only the service you provide but financial know-how and industry changes.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Interview your financial institutions to find the best one to fit your business. Ensure you have good-paying jobs that take care of your employees. Interview accounting providers that can help you from the startup.
Where can people find you and your business?
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.