My story sort of resembles Sarah’s story of “Sarah and the Pie shop” fame in Michael Gerber’s E-Myth books. (The “E” stands for Entrepreneur) In the story, Sarah was a great home cook who made awesome pies which she gave away to family and friends. In turn her family and friends told her how great her pies were and she should make the pies for a living. So, after talking herself into it, she goes for it. She quits her job, signs a lease on a building, stocks it with kitchen equipment and goes into the business of making pies. Then she proceeds to make every mistake an entrepreneur can make and the author tells you how not to make these mistakes.

But my garlic story ends in similarity at the point where she quits her job and goes for it. I don’t intend to quit my job of 21 years and try to make a living at making garlic powder. (At least at the moment) Now, this being America and I can dream, the thought has crossed my mind that I might hit a niche in the market (smoked garlic powder - Mmmm, yummy) and invent other products and services and then if it takes off… Well, I can dream cant I? I’ll be honest with you here: This is a hobby. And I’m going to treat it like a hobby that I intend to grow as my schedule will allow to keep the quality up. I have a phase 2 and 3 already in mind which is garlic based rubs (for BBQ) and sauces. I’m taking baby steps with this mainly because I'm not much of a risk-taker. But, I have a plan so, lets see where it goes.

Ok, here’s my story: My wife & I have always made jellies each year for Xmas presents – either crab apple and/or plum – from our own tress. I've raised garlic all the while in my garden along side all the garden staples: tomatos, corn, peppers, sqaush, zuchinni... Up until 3 or 4 years ago I used to just put nice big pretty white bulbs of my homegrown garlic in the baskets with the jellies and that’s what we gave to friends and family as Christmas presents. About 4 years ago I learned of making garlic powder from an article in a magazine. My friends have told me that the powder is very fresh and that I should start selling it at farmers markets. Once I started smoking the garlic prior to making the powder, I was almost forced by friends and family to start the venture to market and sell Smoked Garlic Powder. Everyone began telling me it was unique and they wanted to start buying it from me. I was almost forced, like Sarah to take it to the next step. So, thats where we are.

I would be remiss if I failed to give thanks to the guy who got me into raising garlic many years ago. A big thank you goes out to Kerry Giannotti, an old friend and coworker for creating this monster. Kerry is one of those guys who is always into some side gig making money. Whether it be growing Xmas trees, or running haunted hay rides on his farm, or raising garlic, or raising organic beef, he was (and still is) always doing something. Keep on keepin on Kerry and enjoy your retirement!

Now lets go enjoy some more fresh garlic!