Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Francis Freehill, owner of Tillamook Meat Inc., located in Tillamook, OR, USA.

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

The last of the Old Fashion Butcher Shops on the Oregon Coast. From the farm to your table, we do it all. A large variety of shop-made products from hams, sausages, jerky, bacon are all made right here! The old fashion way. From one steak to a monthly meat pack to a 1/2 beef, "if we can't make it, we will find it" Customer service is where we excel. And Quality is never compromised!!

Tell us about yourself

Started in a meatpacking plant right out of high school in 1972, then into a retail chain store. In 1980 my wife Vicki and I opened our first butcher shop in 1980. The love of this business drives you to provide wonderful dinner experiences to our customers every day. We do what others don't do! Cut it, season it, cook it. Whatever our customers want.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Over the years, many Smoked Meat Competition Champion and Reserve Champion Awards. In 2012, Business of the year in Tillamook; in 2019, we won the competition on the Television History Channel called The Butcher. Gained national recognition as well in Mexico and abroad!

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

Trying to figure out what our customers want. With changes in industry productions and the influence of cooking shows, every day is something new. Just trying to keep up!

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

  1. Customer Service
  2. Quality Products
  3. Community Involvement

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Everything here at Tillamook Meat is made fresh, either daily or weekly. All minimally processed with no added by-products. We also provide catering service, using only the very best quality products for 50 to ?????? people!!!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.tillamookmeat.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tillamookmeat/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tillamookmeatinc/

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.

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