Founder Spotlight: Thomas Hong (Vegky)
Thomas Hong
Company:
Business Description:
We sell vegan jerky made from the stems of shiitake mushroom. This is the fibrous part of the mushroom that gives this jerky a meaty texture.
Startup Stage:
Bootstrapped
Location:
Pine Brook, New Jersey, USA
What led you to where you are today?
I spent my 20s doing civil engineering and hated working for someone and wanted more money and vacation time. For the next 10 years, I ran a business running an e-commerce store selling european bathware and got burnt out. I felt passionate about helping people ease their way into veganism so I started Vegky.
What do you wish you knew before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey?
Honestly, I wish I knew how fun this industry was (not kidding, since I worked alone the past 10 years). I've met such great people in every food show that I attend. Many food business owners are so generous in helping me grow this business (giving me advice and contacts) and I am certainly the same way to others.
What can you help the VEGPRENEUR community with?
Peer mentorship and sharing my delicious mushroom jerky.
How can the VEGPRENEUR community help you?
Spread the word about our yummy mushroom jerky.
Fun fact about you:
When I was 21, I dreamt of traveling the world. I've never lost sight of it and worked very hard to attain my goals. To this date, I've traveled to 86 countries. I think I'm just about done ;)
Anything else you would like to share?
We're all on the same mission to educate and share plant based food with the world. In 100 years from now, animals will no longer be exploited for food. Let's hasten that timeline by helping one another out in this industry. We're at the forefront of a food revolution and will be an important part of history. Let's roll!!