Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Juan Salinas, Founder of P-nuff, located in West Orange, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are in the business of helping people reach their fitness goals. We understand how it feels to want to get in shape and feel your very best. To make this happen, you have to exercise regularly and eat a healthy, balanced diet. The problem is that cravings for junk food are real and oftentimes irresistible. Sometimes these cravings turn into binges that cause us to gain weight and overindulge in foods that make us feel physically and emotionally crappy.
You don't have to deny your cravings for an indulgent snack to stay on track with your fitness goals. At P-Nuff Crunch, we created a deliciously crunchy snack that satisfies your cravings while also providing a nutritional punch, so you can stay in shape, even when the cravings hit.
Tell us about yourself
I am a Ph.D. in Food Science, and for over 25 years, I worked for some of the largest Food Companies in the US, developing innovative snacks. The problem was that I couldn't eat any of them. Being that I am also a sports nutritionist and former bodybuilder, I knew these products were made to taste good but not necessarily to be good for you.
This is why I created p-Nuff Crunch, the first nutrition-based peanut puff snack that is not only delicious but also nutritious. What keeps me going is the emails and comments I get from customers thanking us for creating a product that they don't feel guilty about eating and that helps them reach their fitness goals.
Do you have daily rituals for work / wellness / fitness / mindfulness?
For work: I always start my day by going to mass (Church). This allows me to see the bigger picture, meditate, and reduce stress. This is my way of meditating and gets my day going on a positive note.
For wellness, I always try to get at least 8 hrs of sleep. I do some meditation reading right before I go to sleep, and I seldom have issues waking up in the middle of the night and not falling back asleep. Falling asleep in a distressed mode is key for me.
For fitness: I do exercise (weight training) every day. It not only helps me stay fit but also helps me stay physically and mentally healthy. It is by far the best de-stressor I have ever found.
For mindfulness: At the end of the day, I try to think of the things that went well and be grateful for them. I also believe that we must do all we can and leave the rest to God. I believe that interactions I have with people throughout the day are part of the bigger plan God has stored for us, so I always sign emails with “God bless.”
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Getting the product on store shelves and creating a product that can make a difference in the quality of people's lives
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a startup owner, you are responsible for every area of the business and make the right decisions to grow the company. The problem is that we are not experts in all the areas of the business, and may time, we make the wrong decisions that can be costly.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start a business because you believe you have the solution to a problem you care about, not because you want to make money.
- Match your talent with your passion.
- Learn as much as possible about your business before you start it. Study as much as you can on the subject, get working experience in the area, network with experts in the area, and learn from them
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
There are things that are out of your control. You should do all you can, with integrity, and then leave the rest to God, and don't worry.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.pnuff.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pnuffcrunch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pnuffcrunch/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pnuffcrunch
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-salinas-76a7783/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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