Cow Pots & Courage: Amanda Freund on Farming, Innovation, and Shark Tank

  This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$   Title:   Cow Pots & Courage: Amanda Freund on Farming, Innovation, and Shark Tank   Host: Val Lavigne @DairyGalVal www.dairygalval.com   Guest: Amanda Freund Instagram @cowpotsgirl Others @CowPots http://www.cowpots.com   "Dirty Jobs" Poo Pot Maker (TV Episode 2007) CowPots on TV - YouTube   https://allsharktankproducts.com/shark-tank-products-home/cowpots-biodegradable-pots/   Summary In this episode of the Dairy Hour podcast, host Val Lavigne interviews Amanda Freund, a third-generation dairy farmer and entrepreneur known for her innovative Cow Pots business. Amanda shares her journey growing up on the family farm, the evolution of their diversified operations, and the introduction of robotic milking technology. She discusses the challenges and successes of launching Cow Pots, a product made from cow manure, and her recent experience on Shark Tank, where she sought to expand her business further. The conversation highlights the importance of sustainability, innovation, and the unique challenges faced by modern dairy farmers. In this engaging conversation, Amanda shares her journey of preparing for and participating in Shark Tank, highlighting the challenges she faced, the support from her family, and the unique experience of pitching her product, Cow Pots. She discusses the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for confirmation about her appearance on the show, the creative solutions she found for her pitch, and the impact of the show on her business. Amanda also reflects on the importance of community support, the reality of business deals, and the ongoing efforts to maintain customer engagement post-show. The conversation wraps up with rapid-fire questions that reveal more about Amanda's personality and insights on overcoming imposter syndrome.   Takeaways Amanda Freund is a third-generation dairy farmer. The family farm has diversified into multiple businesses. Robotic milking technology has improved cow comfort and efficiency. Cow Pots are made from cow manure, showcasing sustainability. The journey to market for Cow Pots took years of development. Amanda's first job after college was selling Cow Pots. The business faced skepticism initially but gained traction over time. Dirty Jobs featured Amanda's farm, boosting visibility. The company has expanded distribution nationally. Amanda's Shark Tank experience was unexpected but ultimately rewarding. Preparation for Shark Tank is extensive and requires serious commitment. Family support plays a crucial role in entrepreneurial journeys. Unique marketing strategies can make a pitch memorable. The emotional aspect of waiting for show confirmation is significant. Community involvement can enhance brand visibility and impact. The reality of deals on Shark Tank can differ from expectations. Post-show sales can see a significant uptick, but sustainability is key. Engaging with customers is essential for long-term success. Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for entrepreneurs. Courage can manifest in small, everyday actions.   Sound Bites "We want them to be comfortable." "We decided to make pots from manure." "I was hand moving each one of them." "We were featured on Dirty Jobs." "We made 38 million units." "I had a lot of mixed feelings." "I shipped them a box of poo." "I had no idea how animated she was." "I was so proud to represent my brand." "It was a handshake deal." "I spend too much money on Google Ads." "Courage is not always a roar."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Amanda Freund and Her Farm Journey 03:02 The Evolution of the Family Farm 06:05 Innovations in Dairy Farming 09:05 The Birth of Cow Pots 11:55 The Shark Tank Experience 32:24 The Journey to Shark Tank: Preparation and Challenges 37:51 Family Support and the Emotional Rollercoaster 40:30 The Cow Suit: A Unique Stage Presence 43:28 The Reality of Deals: Behind the Scenes of Shark Tank 49:21 Post-Show Impact: Sales and Sustainability 52:35 Rapid Fire Fun: Getting to Know Amanda 56:55 Advice for the Future: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome