Founder Spotlight: Maggie Sadowsky (8 Track Foods)
Meet Maggie Sadowsky:
8 Track Foods creates premium USDA Organic canned beans.
Startup Stage:
Bootstrapping
Location:
Batavia, Illinois, USA
When did you launch the business?
February 2020
What led you to where you are today?
As a Food Scientist and plant-based product developer, I recognized a need for consumers to increase consumption of whole plant-based foods, like beans. I studied the science behind beans for many years and concluded that beans are incredible for climate change– not only are they sustainable to grow, but they nourish the soil and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while being a healthy protein and nutrient source. These findings, combined with our food supply causing consumers to throw away nearly 40% of the food grown in the US, inspired me to launch 8 Track Foods to get our food supply back on track!
What do you wish you knew before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey?
When I first started, I didn't know how to get on the retail shelf, so I drove my beans to local stores and talked to managers. I thought I knew what I was doing, but I didn’t know how the retail system worked. I learned a lot from those humble store visits and met some good people in the process.
What is the most difficult decision you've had to make regarding your business so far?
I launched 8 Track Foods in February of 2020, right on the brink of the COVID-19 pandemic. With Natural Products Expo West cancelled, I had to find alternate paths to distribution. I had spent my savings on the business and when the pandemic hit, I thought it was over before it began. I decided to keep pushing forward despite a lot of naysayers. The risk was worth it when we crafted our first deal with Whole Foods Market!
What can you help the VEGPRENEUR community with?
I am a Food Scientist and a recognized plant-protein expert. I can advise on formulation, food safety, and general startup questions to support other entrepreneurs.
How can the VEGPRENEUR community help you?
Be just that...a community to support 8 Track Foods in our journey to create a more sustainable planet to feed our growing population.
Fun fact about you:
The first product I ever formulated was Morningstar Chik Nugget at Worthington Foods.
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