Story & Lesson Highlights with Nathanael Nunemaker of Covington, Kentucky(Northern Kentucky)

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nathanael Nunemaker . Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Nathanael , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Are you walking a path—or wandering?
This is an interesting question to think about. I believe I’ve laid out a path for myself in the sense that I have an idea of what I want and what I need to do to get there. That being said, a straight line is boring. I enjoy stumbling upon surprises and new experiences, and I don’t think you come across those moments unless you’re willing to get lost. Having a plan and a course of action is great, but I also believe a lot of good can come from wandering and exploring.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Nathanael Nunemaker, and I am the founder and owner of Farmer Nate’s Sauce, a sauce and condiment brand based in Covington, Kentucky. We produce unique and flavorful hot sauces, seasonings, and rubs in small batches. I launched the brand in November 2021 as a pandemic project that quickly grew. Today, my products are sold in just over 1,000 stores nationwide, as well as on Amazon.com and Walmart.com.

Without any formal investments, I bootstrapped the business, originally funding it by doing Uber Eats after my day job and have since grown it into a six-figure revenue company. In 2023, I was able to quit my job as a photographer’s assistant to run the business full time. I’ve sacrificed nearly everything to get here, but I’m having the time of my life and learning something new every day.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I grew up with my father rarely in my life, and my mother was often away working multiple jobs to provide for me. I was raised in the church and was quickly taken under the wing of Ray Arnold. He was a former football player whose career was cut short by an injury. Ray became my mentor and, truly, the only consistent male figure in my life.

While many people saw me as an overly hyper and easily distracted child who probably wouldn’t make it out of high school, he saw my potential and what I was capable of. He believed in me when nobody else did. He pushed me to think harder, try harder, and to never settle and that is a relationship I will forever value. Ray taught me to believe in myself, and without that, I’m not sure I’d have the confidence I do today.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Pretty often, actually. It’s easy to stare at the mountain and just turn around and walk away, but there’s no glory in that. Something I often say is, “The only sure way Farmer Nate’s fails is if we quit.” Every day will certainly bring a new problem, some more difficult and intimidating than others, but there is always a solution. There is always an answer to the problem.

Right now, I’m actually going through a difficult time in both business and my personal life. But once I get through this, it will be one more testimony to share with those who come after me, that if you’re delusional enough and resilient enough, nothing is too big to overcome.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. I strive to remain as authentic in every situation and scenario. Farmer Nate and Nathanael Nunemaker believe all the same values and stances. I can not stand when somebody is different in real life than they appear on social media or on TV.

In a world of so much acting, it’s important to be your authentic self

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When have you had to bet the company?
I bet on the company(and myself) every day. Tho we haven’t “made” it yet, I still have to treat it like we have and like we will. The best bet you can make is on yourself and on something you’re building. If you don’t bet on you, do you expect others to?

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Jeremy Kramer Photo

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