Ep #225 Making a Big Leap with Pup & The Pepper

When you look back over the year, did you accomplish all you set out to do?

Most likely, no. There were twists and turns you didn't anticipate and we always overestimate what is doable in a short period of time.

But, that doesn't mean you can't still make huge progress in 12 months like Ryan and Phillip did with Pup & The Pepper. 

I've watched them do really hard things, make investments and show up consistently in the 10X Mastermind and Fuel membership and it has had compounding effects to equal a really BIG leap in 2024!

You can listen and learn from them all about the highs and lows of the year and how they are getting ready for a next big leap in 2025 on this episode of the podcast.

Also, it was fun to listen to Ryan's first episode (#93) back in June of 2022 and compare it to where they are now - some things really changed!

Stop the endless research and overwhelm! Know exactly what each sales channel looks like for success and create a roadmap for your unique business - join me in the Sales Channel Challenge - 3 days April 15, 16 and 17. Reserve your space for just $27 at https://www.foodbizsuccess.com/challenge

MAKE A BIG LEAP THIS YEAR! Commit to the support and accountability you need to create a beautiful business!

• Get Food Business Success to launch and scale to $100K guaranteed
• Scale your existing business to $300K in 2025 with the financial and operational foundations and become the CEO of your biz in Master Your Business

Pick up your copy of "Key Ingredients" on Amazon here.

Check out my YouTube channel at www.foodbiz.tube for how to videos to start and grow a packaged food business.

Transcript

Sari  0:00  
I really hope people are hearing like you guys are willing to do a lot for your business, right? I mean, yeah, you still take vacation and you know, and I'm proud of you for doing that, but like these are willing to hustle. Like, this is early days still, yeah, you're three years in, but it's still. 

Philip  0:28  
And we're still sane. I mean, I enjoy doing the markets. I enjoy, yeah, no, it's great to be out with the people like, I love an indoor market, though, yeah.

Sari  0:48  
Ryan, for you, how has that kind of helped you, or has there been friction, you're kind of were, like, more like a solopreneur, and now probably feels like. 

Ryan  0:58  
I mean, I always, I think just starting out. We didn't, I mean, it was new to us. I think I, you know, I have started other things way, way back in the past, but I never did it with someone who was a constant in my life. So I guess we didn't know what we're to expect, especially when you start getting into all the small details, like the social medias, marketing, you know, every little, every little thing, down to finance and costs and everything. The legality part of it, like everything. So I don't think there's a point in which that we weren't both in it, I think is just that. I think I was trying to figure out more of maybe looking forward to sustainability, cost, figuring out all the like financial stuff, while we worked at figuring out how we were going to do marketing at markets, social media like we spent a long time watching a lot of videos and such. But I think, I think the social media aspect is a job in it. I mean, it's a full time job in itself. So, like, what he does, people are always like, oh my god, you guys, just your socials are so awesome. How do you do it? I'm like, it's all him, honestly, like, he'll ask me for input. I'm like, I mean, you know, it's kind of like going to the instead of like going to the instead of 100% you know, maybe I'll be like, someone might not notice that, you know, bold font, but that's it. Like, his creativity isway above mine when it comes to the social media aspect of things. So that is definitely a help. I think we work really well together. Yes, there is obviously some points of contention, especially when you're doing 26 markets. With two dogs and a lot of things. But yeah, I mean, I yeah, it's just, I think it's been really rewarding. I think it's actually afforded us more time together than anything. So, you know, is there, is there argumentative points, sure, but that's normal lifestyle, so as long as you know how to roll with it, I think that's the biggest thing. Like, you know, we're dealing with some crazy things right now with mail and packages, but it's all out of our control. 

Philip  3:20  
I think everything has been like a collaborative decision, yeah, like, hey, with this, with the newest one, like the ube, the Smoking Ube Blueberry, it's like, we decided on a name together. We decided on the color scheme together. We decided on, oh, we are moving forward with that six sauce and how we're going to advertise it, you know, to even like, like Ryan said, like, which markets to do. And so we have a spreadsheet, and we have a, okay, this is going here. This is going there. Oh, we signed up for four markets on Saturday. Oh, there's only two of us. There we go. And, like, we decide, I mean, stuff like, that's a gamble. But I mean, even to like icing to.

Ryan  4:03  
There's so much to but to me, it's fun. Like, I don't know why I just, I like all the pieces. I like trying to put them all together, trying to figure out what's next, trying to see how we can, you know, maximize everything and try new things. And if we fail, we fail, and that's life, right? Like, but that's the reason, basically, the reason that, you know, I wanted to start this is that I was wanted to do something in my life that, you know, revolved around food, and this was the idea. And I said, if I didn't do this 10 years from now, I'd kick myself in the ass. So. It's worth taking that leap, if you can.

Sari  4:46  
It is, and it sounds like, you know, it's not for everyone to go into business with their spouse and partner, for sure. It sounds like you guys, you know, in Master Your Business, we talked about, like, the org chart, and then it's really important that each person has defined roles, and that you also decide, like, how you're going to make decisions. And it sounds like you guys have really done that, but you know, Philip has his marketing role, Ryan, you're more CEO CFO, but then you also understand where you make decisions, but together, and then also giving each other, like, empowering each other in your areas, right? Like, here's where you can just be independent. Super important. 

Philip  5:30  
Every year, like, we try and like, hone in, like, what our goals are, like, what like, what's the next step for us. And I think doing that throughout the year together, on, like, each quarter. I think we, I think we do that well, and at least we, I mean, yeah, there may be, like, we don't see eye to eye on some things, but the majority of the time we do.

Ryan  5:53  
And it's a business as well as a part, you know, it's a partnership in the business, so financial decisions need to be made between business owners and spouses. 

Sari  6:07  
I do have to say, like, tell people you know you had Eleanor and you since have added to your family. I should say Ryan added to family.

Ryan  6:23  
Yeah, well, yes, one of the rescues that we have partnered with sent us a chat over Instagram. So this is Weston. 

Sari  6:44  
Now it's Pups and the Pepper.

Ryan  6:45  
No, not to confuse people more. So he ended up in my back seat. I don't know how he just hopped in there and still be it. And then I, you know, I was like, oh, look who I have. Philip was out of town, and I just sent him a picture. I'm like, oh, look who I have. So I spent a week with him, by myself, with Eleanor, which, you know, the little fella, he needed a lot of help, so I was at least going to take care of him until he was feeling better and everything.

Philip  7:24  
We ended up adopting him.

Ryan  7:27  
And now he's here.

Philip  7:29  
I mean, just like adjusting within the business, you know, we adjusted with him, and that's something within our business, and especially on long market days. Okay, instead of just one dog, it's two dogs. How can we balance our work life with our personal dogs?

Ryan  7:47  
The new monster. 

Sari  7:50  
Well, as we wrap up, I'm going to ask you, and I know Philip, you are on some calls, and I'm sure you hear from Ryan, and appreciate the support he gets but little shameless plug, if you don't mind that you and I have been, we're just couple months shy, I think of four years.

Ryan  8:11  
At least four for our, what was our first call?

Sari  8:14  
Yeah. I mean, our first call was in 2020. Summer, 2020.  So you know, you started with one on one more, I was doing more consulting, and then you were part of Fuel as part of that. And then you did the first round in Master Your Business. And then you did the 10x Mastermind. Would you mind just sharing? Like, I mean, you're still here, so you've invested in my support and the programs and like, how do you think those have supported and helped the success of the business?

Ryan  8:51  
Ah, wow, yeah. I think the community like minded individuals getting together, sharing their journeys. From, you know, I think when we started the Fuel and others, and even the connections that you and I had had meetings with other people before those programs, it was people who had either just starting out like us, to people who had, you know, half a million, you know, like a very large lucrative business. And I think being able to share those stories and journeys and just being part of the community, to be able to bounce those ideas back and forth, has been, I mean, it's like, it's amazing. I think, and the people that especially have been in the programs that we've been associated with, again, are just fantastic people and companies that really want to see people grow and be, you know, a really big part in the food community. I think the calls, like the calls that we have, the speaker that you bring in. There's just been a lot that has either, like, helped in the short term or helped us been able to, kind of, like, look and see what we need to do to develop our business in the future. Yeah. So, I mean, there's so many little things that I could, you know, add and but the value add is has been amazing. I think, you know, without it, it would be hard to navigate, because I know we're in Indianapolis, and we just started a little, just a little group from people that are in the community here. And it's, and I don't think it's just a location thing. I think it's everywhere. Everyone seems to be kind of on their own little island. And what you've done is, if you've brought those islands together, and I think that that connectedness just really helps drive  the passion and excitement for what we do, especially when we're in the trenches. 

Sari  11:04  
And thank you for that. And I think I will honor you and say you show up like you show up on Fuel calls, you get coaching. I mean, you also help other people, but you're constantly asking questions. I mean, that's what it's there for. And you know, memberships are only as good as your participation. You know, if you don't show up on the calls, it's hard to get coached or post in the community. But you know, you've been a big fan cheerleader of mine, and of course, I'm a big cheerleader of both of you, and I just really appreciate, you, know, your willingness to invest in yourself and your business and show up and get coached and doing the work. 

Ryan  11:50  
No, it's great. Absolutely.

Sari  11:53  
Amazing. Anything to add, Philip, not to put you on the spot. 

Philip  11:57  
No, I remember two things specifically. One was, it was going into our first full summer, so it was that summer of 22 and you had, like, farmers market 101, or something like that. And, like, you know, I thought, or we thought that, like, oh, instead of a table, you put your crap on it, you sell it. And then it was just, like, from things that you said, we're still like, oh, well, like, that was over there. It's like, it's too busy, or, there's so much going on. Like, what do you sell? I can't tell from. Now we only have six hot sauces, so it's easier for us just to have them out on the table. But I think from that, we're actually on vacation, and people around us were like, why are you on a conference call? And it's like we're leading up to our first summer. We want to lay the groundwork and have the guide in the workshop of how to be successful out of farmer's market.  We've dual signed it, and people have been driving by and seen hot sauce, and they literally just stopped for us because it says hot sauce, that's all. 

Sari  13:23  
Not going to stop for Pup and the Pepper, because I don't know what it is. 

Ryan  13:28  
Now people are. We're just fun to see. I mean, fun to hear.  You guys are everywhere.

Ryan  13:37  
No, I love that. That's a great example. Yeah. And that's kind of quality content and help I want to put out there in the world. So I appreciate that. Amazing. Well, what do you guys see? We'll wrap up with, like, what's your you know, we're going after 10x, you've been in the 10x Mastermind. We talked about a 10x goal. You guys have made huge strides this year, getting on Amazon. You came out with your gift set box. You did all these markets. You changed the glass, like if we were having this conversation a year from now, 2025. 

Ryan  14:22  
No, I think next year is all about maximizing profits and doing like, working lean and working smarter. Because I think for us, like we've noticed that we can split and do twice as much in revenue. So if we can, you know, I think the hardest thing for me is the risk aversion and trust for hiring. But I think we're slowly, you know, in talking with the community, figuring out how we can do that, I think getting more people to more markets for us will be a huge impact. So that's kind of what we're looking at right now. I think our wholesale strategy is fine. I don't think, we're not looking to get into the Walmarts or the Myers of the world right now. I don't even know if we will want to. We'll see. 

Sari  15:14  
We didn't even touch on that, but you've grown wholesale. 

Ryan  15:17  
Yeah. Now we're in over 50 stores, over 50 doors.

Philip  15:20  
And then I think, just like, I think my big goal, is to like, how can we expand that wholesale? And how can we get those wholesalers to keep buying? Because we have, I mean, we have a few maybe, like, on one hand, ones that, like, reorder. But it's like, how can we get that one hand to be two hands, and then, like, oh, we have 15, 20, 30 stores that are constantly on the move.

Sari  15:46  
I love this for you. And this is very common, right? You try a whole bunch of things. And Ryan, you're very, bring it back in. You're going after too many things, but like, you try a whole bunch of things, you know, and I would say, you know, my coaching for you would be ruthlessly constrained. Create the discipline of, like we, we have enough irons in the fire. We don't need to take on one more new program. We don't need to take on one more new, you know, whatever, platform. It's like, let's use the things we've already invested in, and let's try to scale those and grow those. And, like, really increase your discipline. 

Philip  16:36  
And shockingly, within that, like with the platforms that we're already on, we got three, four new stores. 

Ryan  16:45  
So from, it's almost, it's, it's kind of passive in a way for us, some of these platforms that we're on. So if we generate new leads, or whatever, that isn't what we're focusing on. So if it happens, awesome. That's just a, you know, an extra little piece to throw in there, but, yeah, I think taking on more is detrimental. 

Sari  17:06  
There becomes a point, yeah, where it's, like, the energy that it takes to set those things up and monitor them, like, it starts to spread you so thin. And I'm not criticizing all what you've done. Like, I think that's, I mean, I love that. That's why I love that about entrepreneurs. Like, I'm always doing that too, right? Like, let's try this, and what about this, and what about that? But the discipline to constrain, and I think this year is a good year to say, how do we maximize what we're already invested in? 

Philip  17:34  
And what's nice is that, like, we're, I mean, we have, what, three more weeks of the year left, and, like, we already have potentially great leads coming into, like early 2025. Nothing's been set yet. But, like, a huge potential that something new for us, but very exciting. And stay tuned. Potential growth. 

Sari  18:01  
I think that there's something there. 

Philip  18:05  
Because you'd be surprised how many, how many think it is.

Sari  18:11  
I would support that. I think dogs, they like, they love that stuff, but it's the like, the gravy. Well, it's been so fun to catch up with you guys. I cannot wait to, you know, check back in in 2025, be with you along the journey. And it's been such a pleasure, such an honor, so much fun. I love you guys. One of these days, I will get out to Indiana. We've met in person in Vegas.

Philip  18:44  
I think Vegas would be a much better place to meet than Indianapolis. We can go back to. Or Colorado. We'll bring the dog. 

Sari  18:53  
I know you guys keep threatening to come out to Colorado with the dogs. I got to, some Corgi time. Oh my gosh. Well, thank you for your time today. I know it's a busy season for all of us, but it really means a lot to me, and it's been such a fun conversation. Where can people find you if they want to go and check you guys out? 

Ryan  19:16  
Yeah, they can grab us at our website at pupandthepepper.com. You can get us on Amazon, but more than happy to answer any questions. So if anyone has anything. Social is all the same, all Pup and the Pepper, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, everything else. 

Sari  19:35  
Get on their email list, all the things. Well, I'm excited for your big leaps in 2025 and we'll leave it there. Thanks guys. 

Ryan  19:47  
Thank you, Sari. 

Sari  19:48  
That was so fun, so amazing. And after we stopped recording, they told me some other big news that's coming up, and we don't want to jinx it yet, but you always got to, like, celebrate, but also hold on to things with loose attachment until they come to fruition. But I'm so excited for what is coming next for Ryan and Philip, and I'm so grateful that they keep investing in support. And if you feel like you need some support in any capacity, whether you're launching, you have a great idea, whether you want to grow to 100k or you're ready to scale your business to 300k, I have programs to support you in all of those endeavors. So come get support in 2025 and also make the commitment to show up. Right? A program is only as good as your commitment and your ability to show up and be present. So make sure you can commit, but do it. So important to have these things that hold us accountable and give us the support so we don't get lost in perfectionism, and overwhelm, and confusion, all of those things. So I'd love to see you in one of our programs. Everything is open right now, if you're listening in December, and until next time, have an amazing week!

Sari  21:12  
The smartest thing you can do as an entrepreneur is to invest in a who to help you with the how to speed up your journey and help you skip the line. When you are ready for more support and accountability to finally get this thing done, you can work with me in two ways. Get me all to yourself with one on one business coaching, or join Food Business Success, which includes membership inside Fuel, our community of food business founders that includes monthly live group coaching calls and so much more. It's one of my favorite places to hang out, and I would love to see you there. Go to foodbizsuccess.com to start your journey towards your own food business success. 

Sari  
I really hope people are hearing like you guys are willing to do a lot for your business, right? I mean, yeah, you still take vacation and you know, and I'm proud of you for doing that, but like these are willing to hustle. Like, this is early days still, yeah, you're three years in, but it's still. 

Philip  
And we're still sane. I mean, I enjoy doing the markets. I enjoy, yeah, no, it's great to be out with the people like, I love an indoor market, though, yeah.

Sari  
Ryan, for you, how has that kind of helped you, or has there been friction, you're kind of were, like, more like a solopreneur, and now probably feels like. 

Ryan  
I mean, I always, I think just starting out. We didn't, I mean, it was new to us. I think I, you know, I have started other things way, way back in the past, but I never did it with someone who was a constant in my life. So I guess we didn't know what we're to expect, especially when you start getting into all the small details, like the social medias, marketing, you know, every little, every little thing, down to finance and costs and everything. The legality part of it, like everything. So I don't think there's a point in which that we weren't both in it, I think is just that. I think I was trying to figure out more of maybe looking forward to sustainability, cost, figuring out all the like financial stuff, while we worked at figuring out how we were going to do marketing at markets, social media like we spent a long time watching a lot of videos and such. But I think, I think the social media aspect is a job in it. I mean, it's a full time job in itself. So, like, what he does, people are always like, oh my god, you guys, just your socials are so awesome. How do you do it? I'm like, it's all him, honestly, like, he'll ask me for input. I'm like, I mean, you know, it's kind of like going to the instead of like going to the instead of 100% you know, maybe I'll be like, someone might not notice that, you know, bold font, but that's it. Like, his creativity isway above mine when it comes to the social media aspect of things. So that is definitely a help. I think we work really well together. Yes, there is obviously some points of contention, especially when you're doing 26 markets. With two dogs and a lot of things. But yeah, I mean, I yeah, it's just, I think it's been really rewarding. I think it's actually afforded us more time together than anything. So, you know, is there, is there argumentative points, sure, but that's normal lifestyle, so as long as you know how to roll with it, I think that's the biggest thing. Like, you know, we're dealing with some crazy things right now with mail and packages, but it's all out of our control. 

Philip  
I think everything has been like a collaborative decision, yeah, like, hey, with this, with the newest one, like the ube, the Smoking Ube Blueberry, it's like, we decided on a name together. We decided on the color scheme together. We decided on, oh, we are moving forward with that six sauce and how we're going to advertise it, you know, to even like, like Ryan said, like, which markets to do. And so we have a spreadsheet, and we have a, okay, this is going here. This is going there. Oh, we signed up for four markets on Saturday. Oh, there's only two of us. There we go. And, like, we decide, I mean, stuff like, that's a gamble. But I mean, even to like icing to.

Ryan  
There's so much to but to me, it's fun. Like, I don't know why I just, I like all the pieces. I like trying to put them all together, trying to figure out what's next, trying to see how we can, you know, maximize everything and try new things. And if we fail, we fail, and that's life, right? Like, but that's the reason, basically, the reason that, you know, I wanted to start this is that I was wanted to do something in my life that, you know, revolved around food, and this was the idea. And I said, if I didn't do this 10 years from now, I'd kick myself in the ass. So. It's worth taking that leap, if you can.

Sari  
It is, and it sounds like, you know, it's not for everyone to go into business with their spouse and partner, for sure. It sounds like you guys, you know, in Master Your Business, we talked about, like, the org chart, and then it's really important that each person has defined roles, and that you also decide, like, how you're going to make decisions. And it sounds like you guys have really done that, but you know, Philip has his marketing role, Ryan, you're more CEO CFO, but then you also understand where you make decisions, but together, and then also giving each other, like, empowering each other in your areas, right? Like, here's where you can just be independent. Super important. 

Philip  
Every year, like, we try and like, hone in, like, what our goals are, like, what like, what's the next step for us. And I think doing that throughout the year together, on, like, each quarter. I think we, I think we do that well, and at least we, I mean, yeah, there may be, like, we don't see eye to eye on some things, but the majority of the time we do.

Ryan  
And it's a business as well as a part, you know, it's a partnership in the business, so financial decisions need to be made between business owners and spouses. 

Sari  
I do have to say, like, tell people you know you had Eleanor and you since have added to your family. I should say Ryan added to family.

Ryan  
Yeah, well, yes, one of the rescues that we have partnered with sent us a chat over Instagram. So this is Weston. 

Sari  
Now it's Pups and the Pepper.

Ryan  
No, not to confuse people more. So he ended up in my back seat. I don't know how he just hopped in there and still be it. And then I, you know, I was like, oh, look who I have. Philip was out of town, and I just sent him a picture. I'm like, oh, look who I have. So I spent a week with him, by myself, with Eleanor, which, you know, the little fella, he needed a lot of help, so I was at least going to take care of him until he was feeling better and everything.

Philip  
We ended up adopting him.

Ryan  
And now he's here.

Philip  
I mean, just like adjusting within the business, you know, we adjusted with him, and that's something within our business, and especially on long market days. Okay, instead of just one dog, it's two dogs. How can we balance our work life with our personal dogs?

Ryan  
The new monster. 

Sari  
Well, as we wrap up, I'm going to ask you, and I know Philip, you are on some calls, and I'm sure you hear from Ryan, and appreciate the support he gets but little shameless plug, if you don't mind that you and I have been, we're just couple months shy, I think of four years.

Ryan  
At least four for our, what was our first call?

Sari  
Yeah. I mean, our first call was in 2020. Summer, 2020.  So you know, you started with one on one more, I was doing more consulting, and then you were part of Fuel as part of that. And then you did the first round in Master Your Business. And then you did the 10x Mastermind. Would you mind just sharing? Like, I mean, you're still here, so you've invested in my support and the programs and like, how do you think those have supported and helped the success of the business?

Ryan  
Ah, wow, yeah. I think the community like minded individuals getting together, sharing their journeys. From, you know, I think when we started the Fuel and others, and even the connections that you and I had had meetings with other people before those programs, it was people who had either just starting out like us, to people who had, you know, half a million, you know, like a very large lucrative business. And I think being able to share those stories and journeys and just being part of the community, to be able to bounce those ideas back and forth, has been, I mean, it's like, it's amazing. I think, and the people that especially have been in the programs that we've been associated with, again, are just fantastic people and companies that really want to see people grow and be, you know, a really big part in the food community. I think the calls, like the calls that we have, the speaker that you bring in. There's just been a lot that has either, like, helped in the short term or helped us been able to, kind of, like, look and see what we need to do to develop our business in the future. Yeah. So, I mean, there's so many little things that I could, you know, add and but the value add is has been amazing. I think, you know, without it, it would be hard to navigate, because I know we're in Indianapolis, and we just started a little, just a little group from people that are in the community here. And it's, and I don't think it's just a location thing. I think it's everywhere. Everyone seems to be kind of on their own little island. And what you've done is, if you've brought those islands together, and I think that that connectedness just really helps drive  the passion and excitement for what we do, especially when we're in the trenches. 

Sari  
And thank you for that. And I think I will honor you and say you show up like you show up on Fuel calls, you get coaching. I mean, you also help other people, but you're constantly asking questions. I mean, that's what it's there for. And you know, memberships are only as good as your participation. You know, if you don't show up on the calls, it's hard to get coached or post in the community. But you know, you've been a big fan cheerleader of mine, and of course, I'm a big cheerleader of both of you, and I just really appreciate, you, know, your willingness to invest in yourself and your business and show up and get coached and doing the work. 

Ryan  
No, it's great. Absolutely.

Sari  
Amazing. Anything to add, Philip, not to put you on the spot. 

Philip  
No, I remember two things specifically. One was, it was going into our first full summer, so it was that summer of 22 and you had, like, farmers market 101, or something like that. And, like, you know, I thought, or we thought that, like, oh, instead of a table, you put your crap on it, you sell it. And then it was just, like, from things that you said, we're still like, oh, well, like, that was over there. It's like, it's too busy, or, there's so much going on. Like, what do you sell? I can't tell from. Now we only have six hot sauces, so it's easier for us just to have them out on the table. But I think from that, we're actually on vacation, and people around us were like, why are you on a conference call? And it's like we're leading up to our first summer. We want to lay the groundwork and have the guide in the workshop of how to be successful out of farmer's market.  We've dual signed it, and people have been driving by and seen hot sauce, and they literally just stopped for us because it says hot sauce, that's all. 

Sari  
Not going to stop for Pup and the Pepper, because I don't know what it is. 

Ryan  
Now people are. We're just fun to see. I mean, fun to hear.  You guys are everywhere.

Ryan  
No, I love that. That's a great example. Yeah. And that's kind of quality content and help I want to put out there in the world. So I appreciate that. Amazing. Well, what do you guys see? We'll wrap up with, like, what's your you know, we're going after 10x, you've been in the 10x Mastermind. We talked about a 10x goal. You guys have made huge strides this year, getting on Amazon. You came out with your gift set box. You did all these markets. You changed the glass, like if we were having this conversation a year from now, 2025. 

Ryan  
No, I think next year is all about maximizing profits and doing like, working lean and working smarter. Because I think for us, like we've noticed that we can split and do twice as much in revenue. So if we can, you know, I think the hardest thing for me is the risk aversion and trust for hiring. But I think we're slowly, you know, in talking with the community, figuring out how we can do that, I think getting more people to more markets for us will be a huge impact. So that's kind of what we're looking at right now. I think our wholesale strategy is fine. I don't think, we're not looking to get into the Walmarts or the Myers of the world right now. I don't even know if we will want to. We'll see. 

Sari  
We didn't even touch on that, but you've grown wholesale. 

Ryan  
Yeah. Now we're in over 50 stores, over 50 doors.

Philip  
And then I think, just like, I think my big goal, is to like, how can we expand that wholesale? And how can we get those wholesalers to keep buying? Because we have, I mean, we have a few maybe, like, on one hand, ones that, like, reorder. But it's like, how can we get that one hand to be two hands, and then, like, oh, we have 15, 20, 30 stores that are constantly on the move.

Sari  
I love this for you. And this is very common, right? You try a whole bunch of things. And Ryan, you're very, bring it back in. You're going after too many things, but like, you try a whole bunch of things, you know, and I would say, you know, my coaching for you would be ruthlessly constrained. Create the discipline of, like we, we have enough irons in the fire. We don't need to take on one more new program. We don't need to take on one more new, you know, whatever, platform. It's like, let's use the things we've already invested in, and let's try to scale those and grow those. And, like, really increase your discipline. 

Philip  
And shockingly, within that, like with the platforms that we're already on, we got three, four new stores. 

Ryan  
So from, it's almost, it's, it's kind of passive in a way for us, some of these platforms that we're on. So if we generate new leads, or whatever, that isn't what we're focusing on. So if it happens, awesome. That's just a, you know, an extra little piece to throw in there, but, yeah, I think taking on more is detrimental. 

Sari  
There becomes a point, yeah, where it's, like, the energy that it takes to set those things up and monitor them, like, it starts to spread you so thin. And I'm not criticizing all what you've done. Like, I think that's, I mean, I love that. That's why I love that about entrepreneurs. Like, I'm always doing that too, right? Like, let's try this, and what about this, and what about that? But the discipline to constrain, and I think this year is a good year to say, how do we maximize what we're already invested in? 

Philip  
And what's nice is that, like, we're, I mean, we have, what, three more weeks of the year left, and, like, we already have potentially great leads coming into, like early 2025. Nothing's been set yet. But, like, a huge potential that something new for us, but very exciting. And stay tuned. Potentialgrowth. 

Sari  
I think that there's something there. 

Philip  
Because you'd be surprised how many, how many think it is.

Sari  
I would support that. I think dogs, they like, they love that stuff, but it's the like, the gravy. Well, it's been so fun to catch up with you guys. I cannot wait to, you know, check back in in 2025, be with you along the journey. And it's been such a pleasure, such an honor, so much fun. I love you guys. One of these days, I will get out to Indiana. We've met in person in Vegas.

Philip  
I think Vegas would be a much better place to meet than Indianapolis. We can go back to. Or Colorado. We'll bring the dog. 

Sari  
I know you guys keep threatening to come out to Colorado with the dogs. I got to, some Corgi time. Oh my gosh. Well, thank you for your time today. I know it's a busy season for all of us, but it really means a lot to me, and it's been such a fun conversation. Where can people find you if they want to go and check you guys out? 

Ryan  
Yeah, they can grab us at our website at pupandthepepper.com. You can get us on Amazon, but more than happy to answer any questions. So if anyone has anything. Social is all the same, all Pup and the Pepper, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, everything else. 

Sari  
Get on their email list, all the things. Well, I'm excited for your big leaps in 2025 and we'll leave it there. Thanks guys. 

Ryan  
Thank you, Sari. 

Sari  
That was so fun, so amazing. And after we stopped recording, they told me some other big news that's coming up, and we don't want to jinx it yet, but you always got to, like, celebrate, but also hold on to things with loose attachment until they come to fruition. But I'm so excited for what is coming next for Ryan and Philip, and I'm so grateful that they keep investing in support. And if you feel like you need some support in any capacity, whether you're launching, you have a great idea, whether you want to grow to 100k or you're ready to scale your business to 300k, I have programs to support you in all of those endeavors. So come get support in 2025 and also make the commitment to show up. Right? A program is only as good as your commitment and your ability to show up and be present. So make sure you can commit, but do it. So important to have these things that hold us accountable and give us the support so we don't get lost in perfectionism, and overwhelm, and confusion, all of those things. So I'd love to see you in one of our programs. Everything is open right now, if you're listening in December, and until next time, have an amazing week!

Sari  
The smartest thing you can do as an entrepreneur is to invest in a who to help you with the how to speed up your journey and help you skip the line. When you are ready for more support and accountability to finally get this thing done, you can work with me in two ways. Get me all to yourself with one on one business coaching, or join Food Business Success, which includes membership inside Fuel, our community of food business founders that includes monthly live group coaching calls and so much more. It's one of my favorite places to hang out, and I would love to see you there. Go to foodbizsuccess.com to start your journey towards your own food business success.