Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in consultancy but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Luke Abbott, President, and CEO of Vdriven, located in San Diego, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have the amazing honor of living out my purpose every day of my life. My amazing team and I support the success of emerging natural brands at retail and in the foodservice channels that are making the world a healthier place.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in food distribution from the time I was 21 years old. I ended up buying the first company in the space that I worked for after 11 years. My team and I then grew the company by 10x over eight years and then sold it to KeHE—where I then served as leader of the fresh division. After KeHE, I worked as president of Jimbo's Naturally—a SoCal-based super-natural retailer.
I started Vdriven in the fall of 2018, initially as an investment vehicle for plant-based food companies. I soon realized that my skills in helping to scale companies and my relationships with key retailers had much more value to the world.
By mid-2020, I realized that Vdriven could really make a difference, and I started to grow the team and our service offerings. Today we work with over 40 brands and have 35 team members—who are all committed to improving our food system and helping emerging CPG company leaders reach their potential.
I love that mid-career; I am doing what I love to do every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was conquering fear. I spent so much time and energy during my career worrying about all the bad things that could befall my company. In the past couple of years, I've worked hard to switch to an enduring "abundance" mentality about life and business. I also threw out the idea that fear makes me better and stronger. It doesn't; it just erodes my energy and health.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Uncertainty is the hardest thing for me. I've learned that while it's good to have a vision and an "end in mind," what's more important is to have a truly noble and inspiring purpose and allow the directions and answers to manifest.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- It's all about the people: surround yourself with the best people and treat them very well. Your success will ultimately come from your team.
- Figure out your areas of genius, and then hire leaders who complement you—and who are also very willing to challenge you. You won't achieve maximum success living in an echo chamber.
- Focus on organizational health. Hiring for culture is a very good idea. Try to find people who are hungry, humble, and people smart.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.vdriven.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vdrivenus/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vdriven
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vdriven-consulting/
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.