Founder Spotlight: Juan Salinas (Perfect Life Nutrition)
Juan Salinas
Company:
Perfect Life Nutrition LLC (DBA P-nuff)
Business Description:
Perfect Life Nutrition, LLC is a nutrition company that makes plant-based snacks that are high in protein, low in sugar and a good source of fiber. The company was created in June 2015 following the dream of Dr. Juan Salinas of developing snacks that were not only healthy but nutritious for active kids and adults. He got started after spending over 20 years of working as a snack developer for several of the largest CPG food companies in the US. He combined his snack development skills with his passion for health and fitness to create snacks that are delicious and nutritious. The company is a family business run by the founder, Dr. Juan Salinas.
Startup Stage:
Growth
Location:
New Jersey, USA
What led you to where you are today?
After spending over 25 years working as a snack product developer for some of the largest CPG companies in the US, I grew disheartened by the food industry focus on creating delicious treats at the expense of health and nutrition. Although many well known branded products I created grazed the shelves of every grocery store in the US, they lacked what I truly believed in. I realized I was part of the problem why so many Americans were suffering from overweight and obesity disease. I wanted my snack creations, instead, to be healthy and nutritious while also promoting active lifestyles. This is why I created Perfect Life Nutrition - a plant-based nutrition snack company.
What do you wish you knew before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey?
As a solo entrepreneur, I never thought the amount of work it would take out of me to start a food business. I wish I had a co-founder that could have shared 50% of the workload. I also wish I had more insight, and a wider network in the sales and marketing area to be able to develop better go to market strategies.
What can you help the VEGPRENEUR community with
I am skilled in the product development process from idea & concept to commercialization. My greatest strength is R&D and manufacturing.
How can the VEGPRENEUR community help you?
I welcome any lesson learned and ideas from other entrepreneurs, especially in the area of sales, marketing, and investment.
Fun fact about you:
I am a professional natural bodybuilder that has also run several marathons, cycle tours and triathlons. I enjoy helping others struggling with weight issues and conditioning
Anything else you’d like to share?
I have invested all my savings of 20+ years into this company and i still yet to get paid a penny, but I would not trade this experience for any high paid CPG corporate job :)
