Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Arnold Thorstad, co-founder and president of Invico Worldwide, located in Florida, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We create food processing technologies and build farming relationships throughout the world to produce healthy food ingredients.  These ingredients are sold to food and beverage companies worldwide.  With sustainability in mind, we work with farmers in India, Indonesia, Philippines, Brazil, and Norway to supply superfood ingredients, coconut ingredients, Amazonian fruits, and Salmon ingredients.

We ensure that the farmers, their families, and their communities share in the growth of our industries, and because of this, we are able to scale our supply chains.

Tell us about yourself

I grew up in a diverse household in Chicago with a Korean mother and a Norwegian father.  Because of this, I have always been interested in travel, getting to know people and understanding cultures.  I began working in the flavor industry, where I developed formulations, set up manufacturing, and created supply chains for major brands.  This experience led me to Brazil in 2012, where I co-founded an Iced Tea company and Invico with my partners.  My motivation each day comes from helping to globalize, unite, and sustain the world we live in.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Building a work family.  As our company grows, it is rewarding to see our team win together.  Our collective energy shines and creates an environment for everyone to feel personal success and group success.  Employee happiness is a key part of our focus.  We are flexible with work hours, location, and days off.  Most importantly, though, we know how to have a lot of fun in all that we do.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Failure. We know that we cannot win every bid, and we know there will be some mistakes along the road.  Most importantly, it is learning from these situations and bettering ourselves afterward.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Network everywhere possible.  The stranger sitting next to you can be your customer, investor, or simply a new friend.
  2. Have balance in your life.  Starting a business requires a tremendous amount of dedication and time.  You can't be your best self in business if you don't find time to take your mind away from the company.
  3. Recognize your weaknesses and surround yourself with partners and employees who make up for them.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.invicoworldwide.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/invicoworldwide/


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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.