As some of you might know, I am starting a trail mix company. Yes, a trail mix company. There is a need for great tasting, healthy snacks without all the salt and oil. So, yes… a trail mix company.

In an effort to get over my food industry learning curve, I went Naturally Boulder Spring Fling. Well worth it.

Some of the titans of the organic food industry were there: Rudy’s Organic Bakery, White Wave foods, and Micheal Funk of UNFI. All where very willing to chat. I just mentioned that I have this trail mix thing going in my kitchen and that I was looking to get advice on where to take it next. Everyone seemed to have advice and everyone offered to put me in touch with a friend who could help me get started.

Sweet. Boulder is the best place to start a business. This community loves entrepreneurs.

The take aways:

1. Next buzz word is GMO. Most companies are asking their suppliers to avoid using them. Consumers are starting to become aware of GMO and look for products without it.
2. BPA. BPA leaches into food from plastic containers and is closely linked to high rates of cancer. We need to look for BPA-free packaging
3. Its best to price organic suppliers into your business model from the beginning.
4. Ship by train or rail for lowest carbon emissions. Truck is 12 times more emissions. Air is 85 times more emissions.
5. Drive an ugly truck. Advice: as a boss, always drive the ugliest car in the parking lot so employees do not ask for raises hilarious. I got this one covered. Marissa often refers to my truck as the “eyesore”.