Ep 75. My Best Ideas Sucked: Granola, Grit, and Growing Something Real With Aaron Anker

In this episode of Start Before You’re Ready, Kelly reconnects with longtime friend and Chief Granola Officer, Aaron Anker, the sole owner of Grandy Organics. From growing up in upstate New York to building one of the largest employers in his small Maine town, Aaron shares how a ski-bum detour, a vegan café in Aspen, and a deep love for the environment shaped his path into organic granola, trail mixes, and nuts that now line shelves at MOM’s Organic Market, Whole Foods, college campuses, smoothie bowl shops like South Block, and more. He opens up about becoming a solo owner, converting an abandoned elementary school on the Saco River into a solar-powered bakery, and why paying a living wage and knowing his team’s families means more to him than revenue milestones.  

Aaron and Kelly dive into the real behind-the-scenes of running an independent food brand in a world of massive conglomerates, from tariffs and ingredient sourcing to staying nimble when chocolate prices spike and regulations shift. Along the way, Aaron talks about intentional living, why local really matters in a state like Maine, and his belief that business is just a series of partnerships with employees, suppliers, and retailers. He leaves listeners with powerful ideas, including his favorite Mr. Rogers inspired mantra “anything that’s mentionable is manageable” and the reminder that you rarely feel ready before you start, whether you are launching a company, changing careers, or simply deciding to live where you truly want to be.

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