Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Padgett Arnold, co-owner of Sequatchie Cove Creamery, located in Sequatchie, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I co-own Sequatchie Cove Creamery with my husband, Nathan. We produce artisan cow's milk cheeses. Our business is primarily wholesale-based, and our customers range from national distributors of specialty foods to small cheese shops and independent restaurants around the country. We built our customer base in the early years by traveling to farmers' markets. We grew into the wholesale realm over a period of time.
Tell us about yourself
We were full-time farmers before we started the creamery. The agricultural component of cheese was what originally inspired us - to create a unique value-added product that reflects a specific place. We started the creamery along with our herd of dairy cows at Sequatchie Cove Farm. Currently, we are partnering with other dairy farmers in the Sequatchie Valley and southeast region to supply us with milk. The quest to produce something truly excellent and unique and to support local agriculture and dairy farmers continues to inspire and motivate us on a daily basis to strive for success.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We have created a vibrant company culture where we seek to inspire our team and lead by example. We have built a very successful brand that is recognized nationally, despite our very humble beginnings, many mistakes, and constant challenges.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Our biggest challenge as a small agricultural business which is subject to the swings of seasonality, is the ability to grow our business to a scale and create a model that is economically sustainable, where we can offer livable wages, a full range of benefits, and long term careers for our team.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research! Spend a good bit of time working within the industry before going out on your own. Develop relationships with others in your industry who have been successful and can be mentors.
- Capitalize appropriately! We struggled for years and continue to do so because we were undercapitalized from the outset. Understanding what this means for you relates back to the first tip - research your industry and understand the economics of success in that industry.
- Take time to develop a thorough business plan. Recruit help with this if necessary.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.sequatchiecovecheese.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sequatchiecovecheese
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sequatcheese/
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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