Are you tired of the same old snacks that offer little nutritional value and harm the environment? What if there was a way to fuel your body with delicious, powerful protein without guilt? How can we turn delicious snacks into a force for good?

Jordan Silbert, a serial entrepreneur in the food and beverage space, shares exactly how he’s revolutionizing the snacking industry. He discusses transitioning from a successful beverage brand to tackling the food industry with a mission to provide healthy, plant-based jerky options. He dives deep into the importance of taste, texture, and the entrepreneurial mindset required to innovate and lead in a competitive market. Jordan shares the challenges and triumphs of creating and scaling a mission-driven food and beverage brand.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Jordan Silbert, Founder and CEO of Agro Power Jerky, about creating a sustainable future through plant-powered snacks. Jordan shares his journey from Q Mixers to Agro Power Jerky, how taste reigns supreme in developing Agro Power Jerky’s products, and the potential macro and micro benefits of consuming plant-based products.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

• [01:37] Jordan Silbert shares his journey from Q Mixers to Agro Power Jerky

• [04:02] Why innovating traditional foods like jerky is important in modern times

• [08:23] How taste reigns supreme in the development of Agro Power Jerky’s products

• [11:51] The role of product texture and the “hedonics” concept in food satisfaction 

• [18:41] Why self-care and prioritization are vital for entrepreneurs

• [22:49] The importance and value of supporting small businesses

• [26:30] How Agro Power Jerky contributes to the planet with 1% revenue donations

• [30:33] Jordan emphasizes staying true to your brand and delivering aligned products 

About Jordan Silbert:

Jordan Silbert is the Founder and CEO of Agro Power Jerky, a company that creates high-protein snacks made from plants. With a history of success in the beverage industry with Q Mixers, he brings over 16 years of entrepreneurial experience to his fresh endeavor. Jordan is passionate about creating great-tasting, environmentally-conscious products. He is also deeply committed to contributing to a healthier planet by encouraging a shift from meat-based to plant-based diets.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Duncan Alney on LinkedIn

• Arnelle Mitchell on LinkedIn 

• Firebelly Marketing  

• Jordan Silbert on LinkedIn 

• Agro Power Jerky 

• Q Mixers 

• Ben Karlin on LinkedIn

• Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business by Danny Meyer 

Quotable Moments:

• “The top three things are taste, taste, and taste – the thing’s got to taste awesome.”

• “I think very carefully about what I eat and how I treat my body. I’m very focused on protein.” 

• “The single most impactful thing that any of us can do for the planet is to eat more plants and less meat, particularly red meat.”

• “As a small business, you need to do a really good job so that you can provide the consumer with a price-competitive product.” 

• “It’s really hard to be a small business. To have a chance of success, your things have to taste amazing.”

Action Steps:

1. Prioritize taste in food innovation: It ensures product appeal and customer satisfaction, addressing the challenge of palatability in plant-based alternatives.

2. Incorporate sustainable practices: This helps reduce environmental impact, aligning with consumer values and addressing the issue of climate change.

3. Emphasize self-care for entrepreneurs: It’s crucial for maintaining the energy necessary to drive a business forward, ensuring the longevity and success of ventures.

4. Stay focused and prioritize tasks: By paying attention to core goals, entrepreneurs can effectively manage resources and accelerate progress.

5. Support small businesses: It bolsters entrepreneurship, encouraging innovation and maintaining economic diversity, which can lead to a stronger community and economy.