Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrew Strub, president of A.S. Food Sales, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a professional food sales company operating within Canada. We represent a wide range of unique food manufacturers and help them sell their goods to retailers, restaurants, caterers, and other manufacturers. Think of us as a professional sales team for hire.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in the food business in my family's pickle company, Strub's Pickles. I quickly found my footing once I started selling to customers and working with them to support their stores and restaurants. After selling the business, I wanted to help other food companies grow their sales and introduce them to the Canadian marketplace.
I am a solution seller, meaning I love to address customers' problems and find a way to help them achieve their end goals. This could be as simple as finding a product that is in the right pack format or as complex as creating a brand new flavour that helps a restaurant finish their menu.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As an owner, I am responsible to many people: our clients, who we represent our sales team members who rely on us for their wages, and our customers who, at the end of the day, support us all. Creating this synergy is extremely rewarding.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being responsible for all activities. The buck stops with me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know who you are and specialize.
- Stay focused on your goal.
- Add value to your customers.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Owning and running a business is equally rewarding and stressful at the same time. It is definitely not the easy way and often not the quickest way to make money. In the end, it is yours, and you can take pride in the successes and learn from your mistakes.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://asfoodsales.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asfoodsales/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andystrub/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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