|
Justin Gold is the founder of Justin's Nut Butter, nutritious and delicious all-organic peanut and nut butters in flavors like Heavenly Honey, Sinfully Cinnamon, Pumpkin Pie and Honey Almond. His products are available at area Whole Foods, Wild Oats, Vitamin Cottage, co-ops and other select locations on the east coast.
How did Justin's Nut Butter come about?
As a vegetarian, I'm always looking for ways to put protein in my diet. I was eating a lot of nut butters but was bored with what was available in stores so, in 2002, I started experimenting in my kitchen with the food processor. At first, my friends thought it was goofy and fun but then they started begging and offering to buy the different varieties of nut butter I was coming up with.
I'm not sure how else to put it, I had this innate calling to make it. There was nothing like it available and everyone enjoyed what I was making. I saw an opportunity to work for myself and create something. Once Justin's Nut Butter got into Whole Foods, I realized I needed to grow, re-write the business plan and take on investors. Really take it seriously.
Has Boulder been receptive to you as an entrepreneur?
Boulder is the key ingredient. I was able to find the right people to ask questions to and give advice, the Chamber of Commerce has been great, not to mention the University and all it's resources. But most of all, it's the people of Boulder who are willing to try new things and support local businesses.
What has helped you grow?
Our best marketing has been at places where we can hand out samples. When people are willing to try our Nut Butter, they're usually willing to buy. The Boulder County Farmers' Market has been phenomenal, we've had people from all over the country stopping by our stall. A key amount of locals come every week to get their jar and tell us they're eating more peanut butter.
What does the future look like for Justin's Nut Butter?
The future looks really promising. We just introduced our single serving peanut butter squeeze packs and we're working with the Boulder Innovation Center (BIC) which helps incubate small businesses to help them grow. Our goal? We're taking the steps to become a national brand.
|
