Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rose Mary Bellamy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Rose Mary, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
Being raised in a big family of 8 brothers and 3 sisters we were always taught by our parents, our father a car dumper operator at U.S. Steel Plant and our mother a custodian at the local elementary school to work for what you want and to remain focused on your goals. Show others what you can do.
Q: Where did you develop your confidence from self-esteem from
A: As long as I can remember I have had confidence in my ability to accomplish whatever I set my mind on, I have always been a go getter, setting goals to accomplish and reaching my mark. If you are not confident in your ability, how do you expect others to be confident in them. Therefore, bring your own chair to the table and show them what you’re worth.
Q: How did you overcome imposter syndrome?
A: Our position in this market is well-earned and deliberate. This was recently validated when Molasses Apple Butter BBQ earned 2nd place in the Scovie Award’s Unique Sauce category, while our Original Apple Butter secured 3rd place in the Diet Friendly category. These award’s highlight what makes our products special – they’re tomato free, meaning customer’s can enjoy great BBQ favor without the heartburn that typically come with traditional sauces. The enthusiastic customer response to our products confirms what we knew from the start – we’re exactly where we need to be.
Q: Being the only one in the room: how have you learned to be effective/successful even when you are the only one in the room that looks like you?
A: I love to talk so I overlook the looks of curiosity and begin conversating while demonstrating why I’m in the room. Acknowledging their surprise when they realize that not only am I there representing Grandpa Foods, but I am also the President, Chief Operations Officer and Co-Founder.
Q: How did you develop your ability to communicate effectively
A: My communication skills extend to my career in the Mortgage Banking industry, in my position you had to be able to communicate with all parties involved in the transaction. This includes not only the buyer, seller and their agents, you must be able to communicate in detail to the bankers, appraiser, escrow agents and transfer wiring department etc. to make sure that on the day of signing the loan documents everything is in place and that calls for a great deal of communication.
As the CEO of Grandpa Foods it is my job to make sure that all day to day operation run smooth, which again calls for and abundant of communicating, and our business allow me to do just that while promoting our business to retail partners, commercial partners and ordinary individuals, and dealing with vendors I also enjoy learning new things and coming up with creative ways to expand the business.
I have learned that you always must be prepared for the elevator speech no matter who you’re talking to or where you may be.
The Story Behind Grandpa Foods
Hello, my name is Rose Mary Bellamy the President/Co-Founder of Grandpa Foods. I would like to share the story behind Grandpa Foods. Grandpa Foods is rooted in a simple yet profound desire to create something truly exceptional. Growing up, I never developed a taste for condiments, a preference that persisted into adulthood. However, my husband’s passion for smoking meat led him to experiment with creating a sauce that even I would enjoy.
One day, as we reminisced about our childhoods and the simple pleasure of apple butter sandwiches, inspiration struck. What if we crafted a barbecue sauce with an Apple Butter base? After much research and recipe refinement, we proudly introduced three delightful flavors: Original, Honey and Molasses along with two Seasoning Blends All-Purpose and No-Salt.
We take great pride in offering a product that not only tastes great but also caters to individuals with dietary restrictions. This commitment to quality and innovation has been recognized through certifications as a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Small, Woman-owned and Minority-owned Business (SWaM), Virginia Finest and members of the Virginia Specialty Association.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hello, my name is Rose Mary Bellamy the President/Co-Founder of Grandpa Foods. I would like to share the story behind Grandpa Foods. Grandpa Foods is rooted in a simple yet profound desire to create something truly exceptional. Growing up, I never developed a taste for condiments, a preference that persisted into adulthood. However, my husband’s passion for smoking meat led him to experiment with creating a sauce that even I would enjoy.
One day, as we reminisced about our childhoods and the simple pleasure of apple butter sandwiches, inspiration struck. What if we crafted a barbecue sauce with an Apple Butter base? After much research and recipe refinement, we proudly introduced three delightful flavors: Original, Honey and Molasses along with two Seasoning Blends All-Purpose and No-Salt.
We take great pride in offering a product that not only tastes great but also caters to individuals with dietary restrictions. This commitment to quality and innovation has been recognized through certifications as a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Small, Woman-owned and Minority-owned Business (SWaM), Virginia Finest and members of the Virginia Specialty Association.
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?
The three skills that help me in throughout this journey are Organization, Communication & Initiative.
The advice that I would give to other during their journey is don’t procrastinate or worry about failure, if you fail get up and try it again. Don’t let fear, age, negativity or procrastination hold you back. Hold on to the knowledge, advice and friends you meet along the way.
Most of all share what you learn and pull another aspiring person along with you.
Everyone needs a little added advice every now and then
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. As a BBQ sauce company passionate about creating delicious, allergy-friendly, and sustainable products, we’re always looking to partner with colleges and universities. For example, we’re eager to work with Dining Services and Catering Teams to feature our sauces in dining halls, cafes, and catered events. Our sauces are allergy-conscious and add a flavorful, inclusive option to menus. We’re also interested in teaming up with Athletic Departments to provide wholesome, delicious sauces that work perfectly for post-game meals or fan concessions.
Our commitment to sustainability makes us a great partner for Sustainability Initiatives, as we align with campus goals to reduce food waste and promote eco-friendly practices. We’re also excited to collaborate with Student Organizations and Events, whether it’s sponsoring BBQ-themed gatherings, cooking competitions, or other campus activities. Finally, partnerships with Research Departments on food science, allergy-friendly innovations, or sustainability projects would be incredibly exciting for us.
One unique feature of our BBQ sauce that makes it perfect for college dining services is that it’s completely tomato-free. This is a game-changer for individuals who struggle with acid reflux, heartburn, or indigestion, as traditional BBQ sauces can be highly acidic and trigger those issues. By removing tomatoes, we’ve created a sauce that’s rich in flavor but much gentler on the stomach, making it an inclusive choice for students, staff, and visitors with dietary sensitivities.
If anyone is interested in collaborating, they can reach us at [email protected]. Let’s create something flavorful and impactful together!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.grandpafoods.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandpafoods/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatgrandpafoods/
