Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food & beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maddie Vassallo, COO of Tuck-ins, located in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Tuck-ins are roastable, Inside-Out S'mores on a stick, with each one having a homemade, nutty graham cracker encased in rich chocolate. There are several flavors of Tuck-ins, including a Gluten-Free/Vegan Classic S'more, Cookies & Cream, Peanut Butter, Peppermint, and Classic S'more.
Families trying to create lasting memories around the campfire, individuals searching for distinctive sweets for their gatherings, and campgrounds and gift stores searching for unusual wholesale delights are some examples of our perfect clients.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up around my family business and always wanted to own a business after seeing the rewarding feeling my family had at work. I joined Tuck-ins about a year after it started to help with marketing and, after a few years, worked my way up to being COO and a partner in the company. I was in college when I joined the company, so I feel like Tuck-ins, and I have grown together so much as I have learned more about business through school and work.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest personal accomplishment was growing Tuck-ins while I was in school so that when I graduated, I was able to support myself while working full-time for my company. I was not only able to finish my undergraduate studies with a job but with one that I am excited to do every day.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Finding a work/life balance is obviously very difficult since I need to always keep an eye on my phone and am always thinking about work. I find this worth it since I care so much about my work, but it is difficult when the people in my life cannot relate.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do not be afraid to enter the market with a product that is not perfect yet, and listen to customer feedback to improve.
- Keep in mind that slow and stable growth is often better than growing too fast. Only take on what you are able to handle at that moment.
- Always be open to learning new things and changing as the market evolves.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://tuck-ins.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TuckinsFoods/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuck.ins/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tuck_ins
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddievassallo/
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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