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"I could sell you 19 cases right now because I'm standing in front of you and I'm handsome," Mark Samuel quips, recalling his early days of demoing IWON Organics products at Whole Foods. Bora Celik chats with Mark A. Samuel, the founder of IWON Organics. Watch/listen: https://lnkd.in/eRst35Bv Mark's journey from fitness enthusiast to founder of a national snack brand is far more than a story of charm and good looks. It's a tale of perseverance, hard-learned lessons, and knowing when to pivot. Eight years ago, Mark spotted a gap in the market: savory, protein-rich snacks. Armed with a passion for health and wellness, he dove headfirst into the food and beverage industry. "Little did I know how difficult it is," he admits. The early days were a whirlwind of product development, flavor experimentation, and standing for hours at demo tables. Success seemed within reach when IWON secured its first regional placement in Whole Foods, even winning a supplier award. But the path to scaling wasn't smooth. For five straight years, IWON was denied national rollout. "We got denied global rollout for five straight years," Mark reveals, the frustration still evident in his voice. During this time, Mark grappled with the realities of the food industry. He learned that success requires far more capital than anticipated. "It's a lot more than you think," he warns aspiring entrepreneurs, "and then some more." The challenges weren't just financial. Mark faced the emotional weight of responsibility to investors, many of whom were friends and family. "We look at Uncle Jack's money like it's ours," he explains, highlighting the personal toll of entrepreneurship. Yet, through it all, Mark kept pushing. He built a network of micro-influencers, fine-tuned his products, and kept knocking on Whole Foods' door. Finally, after half a decade of rejections, IWON secured its national rollout. But Mark's most profound insight isn't about perseverance – it's about knowing when to quit. "Sometimes it's time to die," he reflects, challenging the 'never give up' mantra often preached in entrepreneurial circles. As IWON faces its biggest opportunity yet with the national rollout, Mark stands at a crossroads. He's clear-eyed about the challenges ahead and open about the toll of the journey so far. Mark's story is a reminder that entrepreneurship isn't just about the wins. It's about the grit to keep going when times are tough, the wisdom to know when to pivot, and the courage to start anew when necessary. #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #FoodIndustry #BusinessLessons #BrandArchitects

Protein Puffs and Perseverance: The IWON Organics Story with Mark Samuel

Protein Puffs and Perseverance: The IWON Organics Story with Mark Samuel

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Mark A. Samuel

President at Unbun Foods | Growth at SIDDHI | Founder at IWON | Health and Wellness

2mo

Thank you so much for having me!

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