Meet Rody Hawkins

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Rody Hawkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rody, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I have always been excited about feeding people and meeting their needs. It became very real for me when the US military dropped ready-to-eat sandwich rations on the mountaintop to the Yezidis that were fleeing Isis. I knew that God provided me with expertise and opportunities to help others in a significant way. When I was attending a meat conference and listened to a speaker from the US State Department present the problem of feeding 10 billion people by the year 2030, I knew I had a calling; soon after we formed Improved Nature.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
The hardest problem in feeding an ever-growing population is providing a “complete protein” that is easily accessible and tasty. Improved Nature is doing this with one ingredient and innovative technology. Our shelf-stable base product called “Nature’s Prime” has a 4-year shelf life and can be turned into a tasty, nutritious meal with just water and seasoning. The product looks and tastes just like meat with no limitations caused by religious or legal restrictions.

With its shelf stability and universal acceptance, it can be easily shipped anywhere in the world for a nutritious meal. We are currently exporting our products to Europe, Middle East, and Asia to be incorporated into many different ethnic foods: Shawarma, Tikka Masala, Rendang, Bulgogi, as well as Taco and Burrito meat. Think of Nature’s Prime as a replacement for any meat in any type of dish where meat is included. You are provided with all the nutrition with no refrigeration or waste. Currently, Nature’s Prime is being used in the US in a few formulations, but we are looking to launch in a bigger way in the next few months. Look for us in steak tips and bulgogi strips.

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?
Relationships and meeting people that God has placed in my life was the most important aspect in my journey. Treating people with respect and taking the time to meet with people that may or may not help you in your mission. Volunteer to help where you can and always be open to do things that are not always easy. In addition, my background in shelf stable foods is very helpful. I was always intrigued how a perishable item like food could be kept for extended periods of time. This expertise opened many opportunities to help with feeding programs around the world. Finally, you need to be willing to work hard to meet your goals and objectives. The road is not easy and there will be many problems and obstacles along your way; success is not always assured, even with the best of intentions. Keep working toward your goals and having great people to work with will make the journey worth the effort.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Improved Nature is a business-to-business company. We are looking to work with other food manufacturers that would like to create unique plant-based products that provide all the qualities necessary to satisfy the most discerning consumers. Improved Nature’s products provide the desired texture and nutrition that consumers want. We want to work with other food manufacturers to introduce our products to your market. Our experienced team has launched products all over the world and we can do that for you, too. You can find us at www.ImprovedNature.com or email me directly at rody.hawkins@improvednature.com. I’d love to connect with you.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Credit Eamon Queeney from North State Journal for the headshot photo please

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