When steaks don’t sell you shift to sticks; that’s how Chomps was born. After several failed ventures—one of which left him bankrupt—Pete Maldonado decided to take another chance on launching a business. He partnered with Rashid Ali to start a mail-order service similar to Omaha Steaks, but with grass-fed meat that was more suited to the Paleo diet. When the partners couldn’t get that off the ground, they shifted to individually-wrapped meat sticks; one of the first in a long line of ‘healthier for you’ protein snacks. For several years, each co-founder tried to manage the business as a side-hustle, but the sausage hit the fan in 2016 when a surprise order from Trader Joe’s left them scrambling to produce a million sticks. Today, Chomps is available in major chains across the country and pulls in more than $100 million a year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pete Maldonado from Chomps gives advice on scaling businesses, featuring a sourdough bagel maker, a tea shop owner looking to expand, and an entrepreneur selling fresh wild salmon. Topics include franchising, retail partnerships, differentiation strategies, and navigating market challenges.

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.

Pete Maldonado, co-founder of the successful meat snack brand Chomps, shares his inspiring journey from personal bankruptcy to building a $500 million empire. He discusses the importance of focusing on a single venture and adapting strategies to overcome challenges. Pete highlights how strategic partnerships and innovative branding helped them thrive in a competitive market. He also emphasizes fostering team culture and harnessing customer feedback to stay ahead. Tune in for valuable insights into navigating hyper growth and creating a passionate work environment.

Pete Maldonado, co-founder of Chomps, shares insights on deal-making, retail partnerships, and growing businesses. Topics include challenges in the bagel and tea industry, e-commerce optimization, strategic decision-making, and navigating volatile salmon prices. The podcast highlights entrepreneurship journeys, resilience, and the importance of seeking advice for business endeavors.