Meet Marshall Rabil

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marshall Rabil. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marshall below.

Marshall, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Purpose is always something we question. Personally, I’ve always wondered why I was born in this part of Virginia to my family. The question of “why” created curiosity, which inspired me to work abroad and explore other cultures and lands. That curiosity led me to some pretty extreme locations with experiences that helped shape my world view. Ultimately, the understanding and knowledge that I received around the world helped me understand my purpose. While working abroad, I had the opportunity to participate in a number of community development projects. I soon realized that all of the issues that we were addressing in communities abroad, like food insecurity, healthcare, educational and economic opportunities, were the same issues that my small town in Virginia faced and our business could be a part of the solution.

I think my purpose is as simple as being rooted like a peanut in this community. Our business is intertwined in our region that represents our community across the state, country and world and giving back to our community is something that was ingrained in me from my grandparents and parents and I’m just grateful to have this opportunity.

We are rooted here, which is part of my purpose.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Hubbard Peanut Company, lovingly referred to as Hubs, is a third-generation, female and family-owned and operated peanut brand based in Sedley, VA. Respected as the country’s oldest specialty peanut brand, Hubs was founded in 1954 by Dot Hubbard using her cherished family recipe and peanuts from her father’s farm. Today the company sells nearly a dozen products with practical, hearty options such as their one-ounce Power Packs, addicting flavored peanuts meant for indulging, like their Honey Kissed and Brittle and one-of-a-kind varieties like their Single Origin Peanuts. Eco-friendly consumers can also take pride in munching on peanuts as they are a zero-waste nut; everything from the roots to the hulls is utilized! Peanuts also require less water and have the smallest carbon footprint of any nut, making them a wonderfully sustainable snack.

Hubs released the country’s first “Single Origin Peanut” line in 2020, sourcing peanuts solely from fourth-generation farmer Elisha Barnes’ “Pop Son Farm” in Branchville, VA, where his great-grandfather started as a sharecropper. This past March, Hubs released its fourth edition of this peanut, a one-of-a-kind, uniquely sweet and earthy variety of their peanuts so popular that they’ve previously sold out within 24 hours. Barnes is the only known U.S. farmer to produce peanuts using the antiquated (yet visually stunning) shocking method, which he chooses to do to preserve Virginia’s culture and history. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also directly fighting food insecurity within the local community. Proceeds from each can are donated to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and Eastern Shore (the Foodbank), with each sale generating two meals for locals in need.

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?

Curious
Adaptable
Relatable

I believe that my curiosity, adaptability and relatability are the most impactful characteristics of my personality. When I was teaching, coaching, or even in conversations with teammates at work, I always encourage people to push their comfort zones. We can all be guilty of never pushing ourselves, but once we put in the additional effort in work, or even our hobbies, we learn that life gets better and more fulfilling. I’ve noticed that the harder I work, the better it gets. That could be as simple as visiting places that require biking in, hiking in, or climbing a little extra higher for the views and serenity. Most people don’t push their own boundaries or limits, which is a pretty boring exisitence. Go where others don’t, and you’ll begin to see the payoffs. When you push your curiosity, you become more adaptable, which in turn makes you more relatable to others. Ultimately, life is about connecting with other humans and the more that you can do this, the more successful you will be.

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?

I currently start each day with a passage from a book that one of my mentors gave me. The Daily Stoic, 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and The Art of Living by Ryan Holiday. Each day is a passage from one of the stoic philosophers with a modern interpretation. They are perfect nuggets of wisdom and I love the daily practice of reading and reflection to start each day. It take less than a minute to read the page, but it makes me slow down during the busy morning routine and I’ve come to really appreciate the moment and the insights of the selected passages.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hubspeanuts.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/hubspeanuts
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/hubspeanuts/
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/marshall-rabil-83a24a15/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/hubspeanuts
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hubspeanuts

Image Credits

Hubbard Peanut Company