We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joe Rotondo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Joe, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My family.
My great grandfather came over from Italy and worked on the Red Hook docks in Brooklyn (where I currently live)
My grandfather owned Burger Kings and liquor stores
My dad owned delis and italian restaurants
being a business owner is in my blood.
I would go to work with my dad growing up and learn how to sweep the floors or make the bacon for the day.
Also playing sports growing up taught me what you put in is what you get out
Entrepreneurship has taught me to wear multiple hats and learn every part of the business.
It’s on you, no one is coming to save you when you own a business
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Joe, Founder of Smearcase – protein-packed frozen cottage cheese – the first and only “FroCo”
i made this put of my own desire to have a high protein treat. i was training for a marathon and after a long run i was craving ice cream but noticed no ice cream had ample protein. I was eating cottage cheese at the time and put the two together.
started making it in my apartment and then brought it to market in 6 months.
i’m passionate about entrepreneurship. the personal challenge and professional challenge.
I love building brands and creating product
i love solving problems in my own life that can then benefit others
the goal is to help other live happier and healthier, my medium just so happens to be ice cream
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Dedication. Discipline. Delusion.
Dedication to your values, your mission
Discipline to wake up and get after it, even when it’s tough
Delusion that you’re going to make it and it’s going to work out – even better than you could imagine.
Have grit, get your reps in and show up.
Double down on your life’s values – keep these close & stay aligned. surround yourself with those who share the same values
IKIGAI – what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, what you can get paid for
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The Four Agreements – Be Impeccable With Your Word. Don’t Take Anything Personally. Don’t Make Assumptions. Always Do Your Best.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eatsmearcase.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatsmearcase/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephrrotondo/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
