Two savvy entrepreneurs have turned their love of all things bacon into a business empire. Friends Justin Esch and Dave Lefkow launched a company in 2008 that sold Bacon Salt. J&D’s started in a garage and within a week the small fry business had orders from 12 countries and 25 states.
Suffice it to say, the 35 year-old partners ran out of product in six days. Much has changed since that day, including the fact that they have raked in a cool $1.4 million in profits their first year, after financing the start up with $5,000 that Dave’s 3 year old son won on America’s Funniest Home Videos – see video below.
They started developing Bacon Salt in 2007. Justin and Dave gathered a few friends for a taste test and sprinkled the product on Porterhouse steaks, mashed potatoes, eggs, corn and tomato soup. Everyone thought the added flavor was absolutely delicious.
The seasoning, also available in hickory and peppered varieties, is carried in major groceries stores across the nation and the product has even found a place on restaurant tables, along with the usual condiments.
Esch and Lefkow are now selling bacon-flavored sunflower seeds and a sandwich spread called Baconnaise – a combination of bacon and mayonnaise. Other ideas they are toying with include beer, waffles, hot sauce and ketchup.
In the personal products category, they have sold 10,000 tubes of bacon lip balm. According to Operations Manager Shannon Carlston, “The lip balm, that’s just been crazy. They love the feeling of having bacon fat on their lips, I guess.” The company is currently developing bacon soap and body spray.
It should come as no surprise that the company motto is: ‘Everything should taste like bacon.’
Check out photos and video of a Baconnaise tasting session and see the company getting a large order ready for shipment to The Oprah Show in Chicago. Final video is of Dave’s son on America’s Funniest Home Videos.