Sweetpotato Awesome Interview - The Creative Freeze-Drying Series - Unique Freeze-Drying Products
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- Опубліковано 2 лип 2023
- This is the first episode of a new series of videos called Creative Freeze-Drying, where I interview freeze-drying businesses that are doing unique things with freeze-drying. Whether it be creating new equipment, freeze-drying accessories, new technologies with freeze-drying, or it's actually creating a freeze-dried product that is unique. This video series is more of an interview-style format where I'll be interviewing representatives or owners from these freeze-drying businesses and asking them questions about how they got their start, why they choose to go the route they did, as well as any tips and tricks that they might have for someone taking the next step in freeze-drying as a full-time business.
In this first episode, I interviewed Josh Kingdon who is the owner of Sweetpotato Awesome. The company is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and he's got a very unique approach to freeze-drying sweet potatoes from slicing them to getting them all cooked and freeze-dried. I think you'll find this interview very interesting and gives you aspirations for maybe what you can create with your freeze-drying business.
If you don't have 36 minutes to watch the entire video, here are timestamps to various sections:
1:31 - Introduction to Sweet Potato Awesome
5:41 - How did Josh decide to start freeze-drying sweet potatoes?
10:00 - What freeze-dryers does Josh use?
15:00 - The equipment that has saved him time and money freeze-drying
21:41 - What inspires Josh to keep freeze-drying? What does the future look like for small freeze-drying businesses?
32:21 - Advice for the freeze-drying business community
Sweet Potato Awesome - Company Info
Website: sweetpotatoawesome.com/
Instagram and Facebook: @sweetpoawesome
Want to try some 'Awesome'? Use the code "fdbiz15" for 15% off one order. Add the code at checkout. sweetpotatoawesome.com/
Are you starting to look at starting a freeze-dried business? Watch this video for the 10 steps I would take if I were starting a freeze-dried business from scratch: • 10 STEPS For A Success...
Here are several freeze-dryers I use in my business and I would recommend considering them for your existing freeze-dried business or just starting out.
- Harvest Right Freeze Dryers - affiliates.harvestright.com/1...
- StayFresh Freeze Dry - stayfreshfreezedry.com/?sca_r...
I use Zazzle to buy stamps, business cards, flyers, and more for my freeze-dried business. There are always great discounts each month and fast shipping.
www.zazzle.com/?rf=2385035395...
Create an Amazon Business Account like I did to save on Amazon purchases: amzn.to/40HUntM
Here are other tools I use for my freeze-dried business:
- Cookie/Ice Cream Scoop (1/2 or 1 tablespoon size) - amzn.to/3utyX4H
- 5 Gallon Storage Pails with Gamma Screw Lid - amzn.to/3ICnXdT
- Hefty 2.5 Gallon Jumbo Bags - amzn.to/3GpQ90P
- Cutco Scissors - amzn.to/3vORJ7A
- Knife Sharpener - amzn.to/3Vrttml
- Large cutting board - amzn.to/3GqhIYN
- Food Scale - amzn.to/3FyO9DW
Here are several frequently purchased items, I buy for my freeze-dried business:
- Avery Labels for Product Ingredients - amzn.to/3VEpjbo
- Oxygen Absorbers (200 pack, 50cc) - amzn.to/3VGPkqS
- Dry & Dry 1 Gram(400 Packets) Food Safe Silica Packets: amzn.to/3h45CLc
- Square Chip Reader for Events - amzn.to/3h4cbNX
- Rollo Printer for Shipping Labels - amzn.to/3W1ylzj
- Kraft Food Bags (100 counts) - amzn.to/3iGpi8n
- Food grade nitrile gloves: amzn.to/3EYe2gl
DISCLAIMER: This video description contains affiliate links, meaning I'll receive a small commission if you click on one of the product links but there is nothing charged to you for clicking on the links. By purchasing through these links you help support my channel and allow me to continue making videos. Thank you for the support!
I applaud your Catholic motivation. We have been in the food business for most of my life making frozen filled pasta. We have tried to focus on making good tasting food with very clean labels. I am recently retired trying to learn many of the classical methods of food production, cheese, bread, cured meats and this new field of Freeze drying peaks my interest as a new way to enjoy and preserve food. Thank you. And btw I lived in Las Vegas for 8 years there while serving in the USAF.
PS. My dad was the second son of an Italian immigrant family and was promised to the priesthood. He was a brainiac and was selected to go to the North American College in Rome. But he left about two before ordination. His mother was crushed by his father supported him. I am glad that you are following what the lord wants you to do. He did. Raised a family of 7 kids and was faithful to the holy. Catholic Church until the day he did. He told me that he prayed on St. Peter tomb. Promising to be faithful to our lord’s until the day he died. And he did that. Not tell me about freeze drying🙂
Thanks for having us on! You asked some great questions. Hopefully, we keep seeing the freeze dry industry grow and grow.
You're welcome! Glad we were able to chat with you and learn about your business. Thank you!
This was an "Awesome" interview! Gave me food for thought!!! I also would like more info on nitrogen purging.
Glad it was helpful!
I absolutely loved this interview! This is probably my favorite of all your videos to date.
The advice of keeping it simple, I couldn't agree more. I ran a successful web dev startup I established in 1999 until I burned myself out 14 years later by never learning to say "NO" to client requests. Instead of focusing on a niche, I tried to be everything to everyone--which is just not simply possible.
I see this, too, being true with respect to running a freeze-drying business.
Thank you so much for watching and supporting the channel. I wanted to do something different with the content and these interviews are really helping myself and I hope others to think outside of the box.
Great interview. Very helpful.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Helpful info, inspirational, great tips thanks! Good luck to both of you!!
I came up with a BBQ Sweet Potato Chip recipe of my own last year. Fries too.
Very cool!
Thank you for sharing this great information!
You are so welcome!
i asked my church if i could use their commercial kitchen and the answer was No. They said it would take away their tax status as a church. Maybe i didn't ask the right questions or that is just the way it is where i live (west virginia).
Also, I am starting to look at what is selling the best for me. I am just doing our small farmer's market currently, but plan on once a month shows starting in september. I think paring down my product list will help me be prepared for each venue. So it was good to hear that reinforcement in your interview.
We just started selling our FD products this summer and felt called to give 10% of all our sales to our church's building repair fund. What a blessing it is to heed God's word.
Thank you for this great start to a new line of videos!
Thank you for watching the video. I'd make a donation to the church in exchange for using their kitchen at "no cost".
The explanation was that the problem would be that i am selling my product. I am going to look into it a little further.
Awesome n helpful ❤ Thanks so much. GOD BLESS YOU.
You are so welcome!
Fantastic interview, thank you for all the knowledge you share.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Such a great interview. You are both very inspiring.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great interview! Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent video.
Thank you
Excellent interview and very insightful. I want to see whats the future of sweetpotatoes awesome
Glad you enjoyed it!
Would love to know how to prepare sweet potatoes for freeze drying please.
Great suggestion!
Great interview
Thank you! Josh is an awesome guy.
I desperately want to get a harvest right freeze dying business started. Thank you for all your videos
If you do, here are several freeze-dryers I use in my business and I would recommend considering them if you are just starting out.
- Harvest Right Freeze Dryers - affiliates.harvestright.com/1974.html
- StayFresh Freeze Dry - stayfreshfreezedry.com/?sca_ref=3292008.4uBi4MIG3W&sca_source=UA-cam
Enjoyed the video.
Glad you enjoyed it
This has been a great interview & full of great insightful information ! But it did bring back some very disappointing memories of my time/career as a wholesaler ! I was in the retail/wholesale business for over 40 years with many, many different grocery retailers, & the one thing that bugged me the most was their arrogant attitude they had toward what they called so called "Vendors" who simply just wanted to do a good business & public service for the local people in selling their goods & the "Retailer" was basically demanding a "FREE FILL" for the first delivery on the space you were to occupy !!! I found this to be so insulting to the wholesaler, that I didn't want to do business with them no matter how BIG they were !
Thank you for watching! Yes, when Josh mentioned the "free fill" requirements I was shocked and really isn't local friendly.
Thanks for what you do! I have been doing freeze-drying for the last several years for my personal use. Sweet potato is an unusual niche. What other niches are out there? Yes, I am looking for a part-time job at 73. I am just not sure it is freeze-drying? Looking at options.
Thank you for watching! It's a very niche product for sure and I am looking for more niche companies to interview.
This channel is about Freeze Drying, rofl
Sweet potatoes are a warm weather crop. Where as potatoes like it a little cooler.
Good to know, I didn't know that!
🙏👍🏻❤️!
Glad you liked the interview
Best way to do a sweet potato.
Might be a private method Josh has but I'll ask him and maybe do a follow-up video
Please post demonstration on nitrogen purging
I agree with you! It will be a good add’s for our knowledge .
Great ask, I will add this to my list of follow up questions
Can you post a video of how you do your bag stamping?
Yes!
@@freezedriedbusiness thank you so much. I keep checking back to see the video. Please let me know when you post it.
Our God is an Awesome God…Divine inspiration?
Do you put nutritional labels on your bags for sale?
Are you asking for Sweetpotato Awesome or my business?
@@freezedriedbusiness for yours.
I do not, it's not necessary for cottage food operators or small businesses under a specific gross sales amount according to the FDA. ua-cam.com/video/5mb0i8yDDx0/v-deo.html
So let's see... $6.88 for a 1 ounce pouch.. there are 16 ounces in 1lb.. so 16 x 6.88 = $110.00 Wow... seriously? I totally know the costs involved in the operation.. but $110/lb..
Takes a lot more work than you think to cut up sweet potatoes the way he does it
I so confused now . I was told by the sales person that if I put an oxygen absorber in the Mylar bag that it would be good for 20-30 years . Sonia that true or not ?
What salesperson are you referencing? OA's is a default for storage but is not the only method
My uncle was an Oblate of the Virgin Mary. OMI
Thank you for sharing!
Second question did he say stores will want you to give them free products. Like wow million and billion dollar companies asking you to just give them free stuff?
He also said it's pretty common practice. I believe they do this because your minimum orders require more upfront payments and large orders so to minimize risk the stores are asking to test your products.
@@freezedriedbusinessi guess what I am confused on is he giving them free products, or are they paying after they sell the product that’s what I’m asking . If it’s after they sell it they pay him then I understand that. Giving away stuff for free that doesn’t make since to me