This series will focus on stories about the people changing the face of the food processing in the Garden State through innovation, hard work and lending a caring hand. The NJFPA will endeavor to tell the stories that might now get attention in other mainstream channels.
If this series inspires and provides actionable ideas, it will achieve its aims.
Sponsored by
Jul 20, 2021
Welcome to the eighth episode of
the NJFPA Stradley Ronon Food Forum Podcast. In this
episode,
Bill Mandia, Partner
at Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young,
LLP, speaks with
Jared Cannon, Founder and CEO of Simply Good Jars. Bill and Jared talk about COVID causing a 98%
sales loss and how they bounced back, hiring and the Shark
Tank.
Guest Bio:
Jared brought his concept for Simply Good Jars to life by taking a
huge risk and leaving an 18-year career working for celebrated
restaurants and growing fast-casual eateries. Simply Good Jars was
founded in 2017 in Philly, has been featured on Season 12 of Shark
Tank and is in the midst of expanding to towns all across the
United States.
To give you a bit more of Jared’s background, here’s his introduction, taken directly from simplygoodjars.com:
“Working full time and studying to earn my MBA at night – eating a meal usually meant something fast, easily available, and often unhealthy."
"My fast-food choices had me
feeling guilty, tired, and never satisfied. I realized that this
wasn’t a challenge for just me – that there was an incredible need
outside of traditional eateries for faster, healthier, food options
that are actually delicious…so I took the
leap.”
Listeners will hear:
- How a personal problem turned into a business opportunity.
- How COVID caused them to instantly lose 98% of sales and upended their entire business model - but focusing on their values and strengths led to a natural pivot.
- Redefining what “profit” means for an organization.
- Company culture that has made hiring fast and employees highly motivated. “We’ve never written a job description.”
- Jared’s almost missed opportunity on Shark Tank.
- Jared’s predictions for future changes in the food industry.