How I Built This with Guy Raz Kodiak Cakes: Joel Clark
Dec 7, 2020
Joel Clark, co-founder and CEO of Kodiak Cakes, started selling pancake mix door-to-door as a child. He shares the rollercoaster journey of transforming a family recipe into a powerhouse brand approaching $200 million in revenue. From selling mixes from a Mazda to securing pivotal deals with Target, Joel discusses the challenges faced, lessons learned, and the whimsical identity of Kodiak Cakes. He reflects on memorable moments, including his experience on 'Shark Tank,' and the impact of childhood inspirations on his entrepreneurial path.
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Early Entrepreneurial Spirit
- At 8 years old, Joel Clark sold his mom's homemade whole wheat pancake mix door-to-door using a red wagon.
- This early entrepreneurial experience sparked his interest in business.
Restarting the Business
- Joel's brother, John, restarted the pancake business in 1995, selling the mix out of a Mazda sedan.
- Joel joined soon after, focusing on sales and distribution to hotel gift shops.
Bootstrapping Kodiak Cakes
- John started Kodiak Cakes with $1,400 earned by flipping a truck.
- Joel helped by finding and fixing up the truck for his brother.