Kelley Scanlin- June 4, 2024
The First Major Breakthrough:
Getting My First Big Order
Embarking on the journey of building a food brand is filled with countless memorable moments, both challenging and exhilarating. One of the most significant milestones in my entrepreneurial journey was getting my first big order. This is the story of how it happened and the lessons I learned along the way
Moving from the Kitchen to a Small Office Space
Starting in my home kitchen, I quickly realized that to grow my brand, I needed more space. I found a small 200 square foot office space, which, though modest, felt like a big step forward. The space came with its own set of challenges, including the fact that the only sink available was a small coffee break room sink. Determined to make it work, we moved in two large dehydrators and a few tables. To handle the washing, we rigged up a $49 plastic wash tub to pump water up the wall and down into the tiny sink.At this point, I was blissfully unaware of the various licenses and health codes that would soon become crucial to our operations. Despite these limitations, we managed to grow steadily until we secured a deal with Whole Foods Market, a monumental achievement for any small food brand.
The Excitement and Challenges of the First Big Order
The day our first large order came in was a mixture of excitement and anxiety. We were asked to ship a full pallet of product, something we had never done before. I had no idea how to build, wrap, or even ship a pallet. Fortunately, a dear friend of mine, who owned a company, stepped in to help. She invited me to her shop and taught me the ropes of pallet wrapping and shipping.
Transporting the pallet from my tiny office to her shop was another adventure. With no proper transportation, we had to load my small SUV with two hundred boxes of product. My friend Will, my sole employee, and I created a human chain, tossing boxes from one person to the next until they were all packed into the SUV. As luck would have it, during the drive to her shop, the back of my SUV, which hadn't been properly shut, opened, spilling a few cases onto the road. Thankfully, we managed to retrieve all the boxes, and they arrived safely at her shop for shipping.
Lessons Learned: The Importance of Knowledge and Resources
This experience taught me invaluable lessons about logistics and the importance of having the right resources and knowledge. I learned about forklifts, shipping docks, pallet wrapping, and essential terms like "TI" and "HI." It became clear that there were numerous small but critical details I was previously unaware of, which could make or break the success of an order.
This experience also highlighted the importance of considering the practicalities and costs associated with fulfilling large orders. The excitement of securing a big order can often overshadow the complexities and hidden expenses involved. In hindsight, I realized that despite the thrill of shipping a full pallet of product, I was in over my head.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneur
For those just starting their food brand journey, I highly recommend considering a copacker in the early years. Small companies often struggle to achieve the economies of scale that larger companies benefit from. Moreover, a copacker can help navigate the myriad of logistical and regulatory challenges that come with scaling up production.
Securing large orders can be both a blessing and a curse. It's essential to ensure you have the infrastructure and knowledge to handle them efficiently. Always ask yourself: Am I making a profit, or am I just breaking even (or worse, losing money)?
Final Thoughts
Getting that first big order was a pivotal moment for my brand, filled with both excitement and valuable lessons. It marked the beginning of our growth beyond the small office space and into larger-scale production. Looking back, it was a time of learning, resilience, and the importance of having a strong support network.
Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace the journey, with all its ups and downs, and always strive to be prepared for the next big breakthrough.
