Entrepreneur Interview with Little Duck Organics Founder Zak Normandin

“If you want big rewards, you have to take risks.”

About the Founder

Zak Normandin is a 28 year old entrepreneur running a fast growing niche food business out in Brooklyn, New York.  His company; Little Duck Organics, manufactures 100% organic fruit snacks for kids. The company started out of his basement in 2009 and already distributes products worldwide. You'll find their healthy snacks in over 4000 retail locations including Whole Foods Stores. Zak's company is growing rapidly and continuing to create more healthy solutions for young children. I caught up with Zak to hear his story.

If you'd rather listen to the audio version click the play button below.

How did you come up with the idea?

As the father of two children, I was looking for healthy snack options for the kids. When I could not find any 100% fruit snack products low in sugar, I decided to create one. At the time I was a graphic designer for a packaging company. The idea for Little Duck Organics evolved because I was determined to create a better brand than anything on the market. Since then, it's been a roller coaster of a ride.

Where did Little Duck Organics start?

Little Duck Organics started out of my basement in 2009. I didn't have the capital for an office or warehouse and so the business ran out of my home for a full year. I worked nights and weekends to try and get the business off the ground. Tractor trailers would pull up to our house frequently with pallets of snacks to pick up and deliver. In 2011 I moved the business into an office and eventually into a warehouse in Brooklyn, New York. To initially finance the business I maxed out credit cards. Next we raised money from family, and more recently we raised $400,000 in “Series A” funding from investors involved with businesses like Nantucket Nectar and Vista Print.

How many employees do you have?

We have nine full time employees.

How did you know it was time to hire your first employee?

I knew it was time as soon as I stopped sleeping! I was losing traction because I had maxed out my time completely. There is only so much you can do in a 24 hour period. Hiring help was a huge relief. Soon after the first employee came on board, we continued to grow and build a team. Things started to come together and it was a good feeling.

Do you think it is an advantage to start a business in your 20's?

Well, I'm not sure what it would be like to start a business while in my 30's, but yes, I do think it has helped. I didn't have the security that comes with having a full time job and I had fewer liabilities to deal with. I like to “Get Stuff Done” and work towards goals. Goals have helped us continue to grow.

How have you been able to create a company culture that is fun to be a part of?

We look for motivated people who are aggressive and get stuff done. We've hired people who are very good at specific things (PR, Sales, etc). Setting goals and working together as a team has helped create an environment that is like a family.

How important is it to give back to the community?

Giving back to the community is important. We source fruit from local farming communities and are members of 1% humanity. So we give 1% of all our sales revenue to the program in order to help make a positive impact in the world.

How important is it to take risks?

Taking risks is extremely important. You always need to push the boundaries. To initially finance the business I maxed out a credit card for $10,000 to do the first round of packaging. If you want big rewards, you have to take risks.

What are your favorite entrepreneur publications?

Inc, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fast Company

How to you relieve entrepreneurial stress?

I think finding balance in life is a big stress reliever. I spend time with the kids every night. When the rest of the family goes to bed, I continue working until 1 or 2 in the morning. You have to enjoy your business because if you love what you do, it doesn't seem like work.

Riding my bike to work and reading are also entrepreneurial stress relievers. I like to read fiction because it takes my mind away from business for a little bit, like a movie would.

What is one piece of advice you think would help entrepreneurs most?

BE AGGRESSIVE! To go from being mediocre to successful you have to have an all or nothing attitude… Almost a die hard mentality where nothing else matters. Of course other things matter, but you need to focus on your core idea or business. You need to have a mindset to give it your all and to always challenge and push yourself.

Where can we find more information about Little Duck Organics?

You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at LittleDuckOrganics.com In fact, if you listen to the interview around the 27 minute 30 second mark you'll here about a special offer we have exclusively for Think Entrepreneurship fans.

http://www.LittleDuckOrganics.com
http://www.Twitter.com/LittleDuckOrg
http://www.Facebook.com/LittleDuckOrganics