Sharing a founder story that changed how I run my business. In 1990, cyclist Gary Erickson was living in a garage with no bathroom, and frustrated with processed energy bars that only gave a sugar rush. From scratch, Gary began experimenting with natural ingredients to make a healthier bar. His initial marketing strategy was to build a loyal fanbase by passing his bars out from his car at sports events with < 200 people. He knew corporations wouldn't bother at that level. Within months, loyal demand had 700 bike shops selling his product. Next, he sponsored underdog athletes, picking those who finished 2nd and were humble over 1st placers that were arrogant. Gary was determined to keep personal principles over profit. 10 years in, when a big conglomerate offered 120mil for the biz, he was tempted. But he knew if he sold, his brand's integrity and values would be lost. Against all advice, he kept his company in the face of elite competition. Since then Clif Bar has grown 11x, all while Gary's remained committed to doing well by doing good. His philosophy came from observing the big roads on a map, marked in red, were the most direct ones, while white roads were small, meandering ones. "Companies on the red road listen to a lot of noise: the market, shareholders, the board, economic consultants, advisors and conventional wisdom... Clif Bar is a white road company." Find your white road and stay true to it. #founderstories #businessleadership #admisfits
