Pete Maldonado

Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali, co-founders of Chomps, share their inspiring journey from failure to success in the meat snack industry. After bankruptcy, Pete pivoted from selling steaks to creating healthier meat sticks tailored for the health-conscious market. They highlight a game-changing order from Trader Joe's that catapulted their brand into major retailers, along with the challenges of scaling production while maintaining quality. Their resilience and innovative thinking turned Chomps into a $100 million success story.

Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali, co-founders of Chomps, share their inspiring journey of bootstrapping a meat snack brand from a $500 side hustle to $500 million in sales. They discuss scrappy marketing tactics that fueled early growth, like leveraging grassroots efforts and influencers. The pivotal deal with Trader Joe's transformed their trajectory, showcasing the importance of strategic retail partnerships. Their complementary personalities and resilience in navigating challenges exemplify how discipline and collaboration can create a successful and profitable brand.

Pete Maldonado, co-founder and co-CEO of CHOMPS, shares his inspiring journey from financial struggles to establishing a successful meat snack brand. He discusses the importance of resilience and innovation, especially during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation covers bootstrapping versus raising capital, the significance of finding product-market fit, and the necessity of trusting instincts amid uncertainty. Pete also redefines success by prioritizing personal fulfillment and family time over mere financial gain.