DARE
S3E13 Meg Hull | How an Outdoor Craving Became a Food Brand: Hullsome Foods
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Innovation often stemmed from personal experience and challenges, leading to the creation of unique products.
- Building relationships and networking within a community can significantly impact a startup's success.
- Overcoming initial resistance and feedback is crucial in developing and launching a new product.
- Continual learning and resourcefulness are essential for entrepreneurs to navigate the startup landscape.
- Understanding consumer needs, especially in niche markets, can drive effective product development.
Summary
Introduction to Meg Hall and Folsom Foods
In this episode, we welcome Meg Hall, the founder and CEO of Folsom Foods, a company born from Hall's craving for a savory snack during a 36-mile run around Mount St. Helens. Meg shares her journey as an endurance athlete and how her outdoor experiences fueled her entrepreneurial spirit, leading her to create Shredder Cheddar, a portable, high-protein cheese snack designed for athletes on the go.
Inspiration and Product Development
Meg recounts her inspiring moment on the trails which drove her to innovate a cheese-based snack that could withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. After experimenting with recipes during the pandemic, she developed a squeezable, shelf-stable cheese product incorporating electrolytes. Meg highlights the challenges she faced in perfecting her product, receiving pushback while pursuing shelf stability, but ultimately prevailing through perseverance and creativity.
Building a Business from Scratch
The conversation delves into Meg’s resourceful approach to launching Folsom Foods. She sought expert guidance, particularly from Oregon State University’s Food Innovation Center, and received support through grants that facilitated the commercialization of her product. Despite the challenges of finding co-packers, Meg has taken proactive steps in establishing her brand and preparing for future distribution.
Community and Portland as an Entrepreneurial Hub
Meg discusses the supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Portland, Oregon, which provides invaluable resources for startups, especially in the food industry. She emphasizes the collaborative environment fostered by local organizations like the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, which offers educational opportunities, and her experiences testing her product within the local running community.
Vision for Growth and Future Products
Looking ahead, Meg plans to scale her brand by securing co-packing arrangements and exploring market entry. She expresses her ambitious vision for the future of Shredder Cheddar and other potential products, indicating the importance of continuous innovation while protecting her ideas. Meg’s testimonial from her recent runs underlines the effectiveness of her product, as she successfully utilized it during a marathon.
Sponsors
- Oregon Entrepreneurs Network · The Dare Show is brought to you by the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network.
- Darwaf · The Dare Show is brought to you by Darwaf, the super-power tech team that can make your vision a reality.
Show notes
Meg Hull, Founder, & CEO of Hullsome Foods, the maker of Shredder Cheddar. Inspired by a craving that hit on a Mount St. Helens trails run, Meg created a savory snack that goes big and goes everywhere. Shredder Cheddar is real food packed for real adventure. Whether you're powering through a marathon or a busy day, this cheese has the protein, electrolytes, and flavor to keep you moving. We hear Meg's story, and her dreams for the future!
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