I sat down with Shannon Houchin, the founder of Roadside Republic. In this episode, we discuss the incredible business model of roadside produce stands, which Shannon scaled to over 100 locations in her first summer, generating impressive revenue with minimal overhead.
We highlight why this business works so well, including its low startup costs (around $200), high margins (up to 70%), and lack of lease requirements or heavy regulation. Shannon shares the tactics she used, from finding the perfect locations to negotiating with wholesalers over the phone, making this a step-by-step guide for anyone looking to enter this profitable venture.
Learn more about Shannon's business here:
https://roadsiderepublic.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@roadside_republic
https://www.facebook.com/RoadsideRepublic
Timestamps below. Enjoy!
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00:00 The Roadside Stand Revolution
02:52 From Reporter to Peach Entrepreneur
05:47 Scaling the Peach Business
09:09 The Art of Location and Visibility
12:05 Understanding Peach Quality and Sourcing
14:59 Transitioning to Online Sales and Delivery
17:46 Consumer Behavior and Pricing Strategies
24:58 Transforming Pricing Models in Produce Sales
29:12 Innovative Locations for Roadside Stands
32:32 Expanding Business Segments and Mobile Markets
34:59 Profitability and Sales Strategies for Roadside Stands
39:12 The Power of Storytelling in Sales
46:47 Comparing Business Models: Roadside Republic vs. Peach Truck
