00037. Wine, Jerky & Consumer Growth Equity - Jon Sebastiani's Journey to Sonoma Brands

On today's episode of Gritty Founder, Kreig Kent talks with Jon Sebastiani about how he built KRAVE and Sonoma Brands. Jon shares advice on brand marketing, building a team, and trusting your instincts as an entrepreneur.

Jon Sebastiani founded Sonoma Brands, a specialist growth equity firm, in January 2016 and currently leads all aspects of the Firm's investment strategy and portfolio management. Prior to starting Sonoma Brands, Jon founded KRAVE Pure Foods, which he sold to the Hershey Company in 2015.

Some Questions Kreig asks Jon:

- How did you decide to start a beef jerky company? (13:10)

- How long did it take you to see traction? (23:45)

- What are some gritty things you did in the early days to get the KRAVE brand off the ground? (26:17)

- How did you hire your first employee? (32:48)

- What was the transition from running and operating KRAVE to Sonoma Brands? (43:34)

- How do you view entrepreneurship? (49:29)

- What do you look for when you meet an entrepreneur for the first time? (51:57)

- What advice would you give your younger self? (56:31)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

- About Jon's background and how he became an entrepreneur (4:28)

- How Jon built KRAVE Jerky (17:04)

- Tips for brand marketing (26:32)

- Jon's thoughts on equity (38:07)

- Only the paranoid survive (50:42)

- Enjoy the journey of entrepreneurship (53:45)

- The importance of true authenticity, charisma, and the ability to sell your vision (55:02)

- Trust your instincts (58:51)

Connect with Jon Sebastiani:

Twitter


Sonoma Brands


KRAVE

Also Mentioned on This Show...

Jon's favorite quote:

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." ―Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jon's book recommendation:

Different by Youngme Moon