Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bobbi Giudicelli, Co-Founder of RTI Foods, located in Grass Valley, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My son, Michael, and I are the co-Founders of Read The Ingredients. We make a unique product in our SuperLoafs. What is a SuperLoaf? I'm glad you asked. They are single-serve, functional bread that is the cleanest, healthiest packaged - NOT processed! - meal alternative (breakfast/lunch) on the market. No added sugar/sweeteners, preservatives, or stabilizers of any kind. We only use ingredients that you can pronounce and would not hesitate to eat individually. They are baked and come in 4 different delicious flavors: Apple Cinn, Banana Nut, Carrot Raisin, and Choco Chip. The most convenient, healthiest way to grab breakfast or lunch where ever you are going. Gluten-free, Vegan, Non-GMO, and mostly organic ingredients.
Tell us about yourself
I am a serial entrepreneur who has started, built and successfully exited four ventures. My journey from severe eating disorders to Whole-Food Plant-Based (WFPB) food choices brought me to co-found, with my oldest son, this latest venture. After struggling with food issues for so many years, I am passionate about sharing my journey and supporting others who struggle in their relationship with food. That was the origin of Read The Ingredients, and that was the motivation to write my book, "Freedom From A Toxic Relationship With Food: A Journey That Will Give You Your Life Back."
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Each one of my ventures has had many successes and accomplishments, but I would say the one that I'm most proud of that spans across all my different companies is watching the people who work(ed) with me and for me develop. I love mentoring people, particularly women, and watching how they come into their power as women. I also feel like I have learned the most from my partners along the way. My current partner for the past two ventures is my son. It is the best partnership by far. Given we have such different experiences and are generationally influenced by different things, it is so gratifying to work with him and continue to learn and grow from our working relationship.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
You never get to really take time off. I work weekends, and I work on vacation. That is not to say that I have no life. In fact, I carve time out of my weeks to focus on activities outside of work. But to be successful as an entrepreneur, I must be willing to work extra time, and often that means never really completely shutting down.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure it is a business you are passionate about.
- Know when and how to ask for help.
- Surround yourself with people that will challenge you.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Go for it! If you dream it, and it excites you, find a way to make it your career!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://rtifoods.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RTIFoods/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readtheingredients/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-the-ingredients-inc/
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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