"From One Product to $40 Million: The Success Story of Mike's Hot Honey"
Mike Kurtz, the founder of Mike's Hot Honey, built a $40 million a year business by turning his passion for condiments into a successful company. Inspired by a chance encounter with the co-creator of Sweet Baby Ray's barbeque sauce, Kurtz experimented with making hot honey in his college apartment. After perfecting the recipe, he started giving it away as gifts and eventually partnered with a pizzeria to feature his hot honey as a pizza topping. Word spread, and demand grew, leading Kurtz to start bottling and selling his product. With the help of a friend-turned-CEO, Kurtz raised millions in investment and expanded distribution to over 30,000 retailers and restaurants. Despite competition, Mike's Hot Honey continues to thrive and explore new opportunities in the food industry.