Speaker

Growing up in a small mountain town in Pennsylvania, Justin’s family owned and operated a small natural foods store where he acquired an early awareness, education and appreciation for natural foods. In 2002, a few years after graduating from college, an active and outdoor lifestyle brought Justin to Boulder, Colorado, where – as a vegetarian – he consumed large amounts of peanut and other nut butters to satisfy protein needs. Later that same year he started making nut butters in his home kitchen with a food processor. Justin spent countless hours taste testing with roommates, co-workers and family members. With encouragement from immediate friends he began researching how to bring this idea to market through extensive free workshops at the Boulder Small Business Development Center and Colorado University’s Leeds School of Business. Through seminars, mentorship, study and hard work he launched a line of 16-ounce jars to local Colorado natural foods stores in 2004 while maintaining a full-time day job. In 2006 he created an on-the-go squeeze pack for himself and friends to have as a high-protein snack option while hiking, running, biking, skiing, etc. The squeeze pack was a game changer for the business and now generates over 80% of Justin’s revenue. He continues to innovate and recently brought to market Justin’s Organic Peanut Butter Cups. Justin graduated from Dickinson College with a bachelor of arts in environmental studies. He is an avid backpacker, backcountry skier, mountain biker, reader and food/health nut.