411: How to Break Into Food Entrepreneurship w/ Susan Weiner, Orange Dot Baking Company [Espresso Shots]

Susan Weiner is the founder and CEO of Orange Dot Baking Company, a healthy, flavorful alternative to existing high-glycemic, gluten free breads. Inspired by a review of poverty in her hometown of Charlottesville, VA called the  Orange Dot Report, Susan conceived of Orange Dot Baking Company to generate local employment for single mothers while producing delicious gluten free muffins and breads. As an avid gluten free cook, Susan built Orange Dot Baking Company using innovative approaches in both its baking process and its recipes—much to the delight of her celiac son, Andrew. Orange Dot bread is special because it is made with an innovative, proprietary baking process that locks in the moisture and expands the cell structure of the bread. The recipes are also innovative because they do not contain any xanthan gum (which causes intestinal distress!) and are packed with high energy ingredients like organic eggs and sunflower, pumpkin, quinoa, chia and amaranth seeds.  Susan began baking in her home kitchen and selling at the Charlottesville farmer’s market in 2015. Within two years Orange Dot had moved into a new dedicated, gluten free baking facility and now supplies stores in Charlottesville, Richmond, and Whole Foods stores in surrounding areas.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE: Why it’s important to have a hunger (yes, that’s a pun) for knowledge and learning Why having knowledge of marketing will help you in the food industry What are the skills that Susan looks for in OrangeDot employees Why you don’t necessarily need a culinary arts education to start a food business How rolling with the punches within your current job will help you later down the road Why you should be led by your values in choosing whatever work you want to do How much money is needed to start a local or national food business