We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jim Lawlor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jim below.
Jim, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
As we began our journey in the Consumer Product Goods sector, I knew that we would have plenty of people who would try to tell us “don’t do it” or “it’s too hard”….part of that conversation (for better or worse) is what really challenges you as an entrepreneur, and spurs your focus to “prove them wrong”…..In the beginning it would sometimes “hurt” when someone would possibly not like a product, or the name, packaging or other……but then you realize that there are thousands others (and now tens of thousands if not more) who really like what you are doing….the adage of “you can’t please everyone” certainly comes into play there and really focus’ your energy on pushing ahead.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Pickled Pink Foods is a gourmet food brand founded in Atlanta, Georgia. Formed by friends and business partners Charlie Stephenson and Jim Lawlor, who spent many years in the restaurant business both in operations, and as owners. They have always had a passion for food, people, and most importantly, fun…….
Over the years Charlie’s wife would have these old family recipe pickles made for the holiday’s over in Huntsville, Alabama, and ironically Charlie himself HATES pickles. He did though love these and thought: “if I like these pickles, and I really don’t like any other pickles, then maybe some one else would enjoy them too”…..During the Christmas season of 2012, Charlie and Jim began to discuss the beginnings of their food company venture.
We formulated the recipe, produced some jars, and sent them off for “testing” to the former head of the Southern Living Magazine Test Kitchen (an acquaintance of ours)…..”They’re Southern, Old Fashioned, and there is not a lot out there on the market like ‘em…..” That was enough of a vote of confidence, and in the Spring of 2013, Pickled Pink Foods (named by Charlies wife) was formed and the fun began. That July of 2013, we presented at the Atlanta International Home and Gift Show, sold to almost 100 new stores and clients in 19 states, and we were off and running.
In 2014 we introduced our Sweet Heat Jalapeno and Spiced Watermelon Pickle, and in the summer of 2015 began selling our Gourmet Jalapeno Pickle. 2016 saw the introduction of our “Smokin’ Okra” in March, in Q4 2016, we launched into retail our Perfectly Pickled Peaches, and Vidalia Onion & Peach Relish (taking advantage of the Peach harvest here in the South!). In early 2020 we launched a Honey Cinnamon Beet and a Garlic Dill Pickle too. In Fall of 2023, Stone County Specialties, Inc. acquired the brand, ensuring that Pickled Pink will bolster it’s position in the market, and become a leader in the Specialty Foods category with more new products to launch soon……..Here’s to a great 2024 and beyond!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I would say: Desire
Determination
Can Do attitude
If you keep you focus and keep your “eye on the prize” you will overcome any pitfalls and mistakes that are inevitable along the journey. Don’t let roadblocks stop you, just move around them. Your heart (and possibly bank account) will let you truly know when it may be time to end the adventure.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
When we ran into inventory supply issues shortly after COVID hit in 2020, we (Pickled Pink) unfortunately were discontinued out of some accounts strictly based on the fact that we couldn’t supply the products being ordered by the retailers. It was certainly frustrating for sure. But in the Fall of 2023, we formed a partnership through a sale and merger with our production facility (Specialty Food production company Grouse Hunt Farms) that now ensures our items will be in stock and ready to ship to all who need it. We are now back in a sales mode and re-introducing ourselves to both former retailer’s, but new ones too with confidence that any orders placed, will once again be fulfilled so that the consumers can enjoy our truly unique Southern based pickled products.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pickledpinkfoods.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pickledpinkfoods/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PickledPinkFoods/
- Twitter: pickled__pink
