Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Thomas Martin, Co-Founder and CEO of TopPop Packaging, located in Pennsauken, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
TopPoP Packaging is a contract manufacturer and brand solutions company. We create and manufacture Branded products, Adult Ice Pops, Good for you Ice Pops, Cocktails in a pouch, Kids' Juice and Drinks in a pouch, and alcohol shots. Our customers range from large fortune 500 companies to semi-large CPGs and even startup companies with great product ideas and strong ownership.
Tell us about yourself
I have been in the packaging business for over 40 years. I co-founded TopPop Packaging 3 years ago and continue to run the company as the CEO. I love the packaging business because every customer has specific needs, and it becomes a creative and technical process to satisfy those needs, and that is what keeps it fun and interesting.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Starting a company from scratch and making it grow fast. TopPop started with 5 employees 3 years ago, and we now have 3 facilities and over 50 skilled employees, and a large temporary workforce and growing.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Finding the right people, the financial side of the business, regulatory challenges, and cash flow.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Have a great business plan, find an anchor customer to start the business, have long-term goals, and try to grow at a pace that you can control.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://toppoppkg.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toppoppkg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toppoppkg/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/toppoppkg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toppop-packaging/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.