Meat Success Podcast - Navigating the Niche Meat Business: Insights from ChopLocal

As we embark on this exciting new venture with our ChopLocal podcast, we're eager to share our journey with you—our listeners, supporters, and fellow meat enthusiasts!

In our inaugural episode, we dive into the origins of ChopLocal, bringing you the personal stories, challenges, and philosophies that have shaped our business.

Meet the Founders: Katie Olthoff and Jared Achen

Katie Olthoff, one of the co-founders of ChopLocal and ChopLocal University, kicks off our podcast with transparency and excitement. Joining her is her business partner, Jared Achen, the creative mind behind the ChopLocal concept.

Katie and Jared have been nurturing this podcast idea for over four years, and they're thrilled to finally bring their stories and insights to you. ChopLocal is more than just a marketplace—it's a platform for farmers, butcher shops, and industry experts to connect directly with consumers who value high-quality, locally sourced-meat.

The Genesis of ChopLocal

Jared's story is deeply rooted in his upbringing on a livestock and turkey farm in southeast Iowa. Growing up, he was surrounded by entrepreneurial family members, which instilled in him a keen business acumen and a passion for farming. His education and experience in agricultural business paved the way for his innovative ideas.

The 2020 pandemic posed significant challenges across all sectors, including agriculture. Jared saw an opportunity to connect farmers directly to consumers, offering transparency and better margins through a marketplace model similar to Etsy or Amazon. This idea evolved into ChopLocal, a platform allowing farmers and butcher shops to sell meat directly to their customers.

The Power of a Name

As is often the case with startups, the naming process of ChopLocal involved brainstorming and family collaboration. With a nod to both traditional and modern concepts, Jared and his wife hoped the name would allow for future expansion beyond meat.

The Importance of Complementary Skills

Katie and Jared’s partnership is a testament to the importance of complementary skills in business. While Katie focuses on marketing and communications, Jared's strengths lie in business and finance. Together, they have navigated the challenges of starting a business and built ChopLocal into a thriving platform.

A Unique Marketplace Approach

ChopLocal operates like an online farmer’s market, with each vendor having their own micro-store. This allows consumers to engage directly with producers, search for specific products, and enjoy the convenience of direct-to-consumer meat purchasing.

Our Growth and Vision

With a footprint spanning 28 states, ChopLocal is rapidly expanding. Jared shares his experiences ordering meat from various vendors and highlights the exceptional quality found in products from farmers and butcher shops. This quality stems from a combination of good genetics, skilled farming, and expert butchering—elements that define the ChopLocal commitment to craftsmanship.

Reflections on Business Philosophy

Our co-founders also delve into their business philosophies. They discuss the importance of mentors, diversification, and valuing one’s time. Jared reflects on his journey and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in business. He emphasizes the significance of knowing one’s strengths, focusing efforts where they are most effective, and continually seeking personal and professional fulfillment.

Seasonality and Personal Growth

Katie and Jared also touch on the concept of seasons in life and business. As they navigate through different phases, they prioritize what brings them value and fulfillment beyond financial success, acknowledging the importance of work-life balance and mental health in agriculture.

Join Us on This Journey

This episode is just the beginning. We invite you to join us as we explore diverse farming practices, business models, and success stories from across the country. Our podcast will feature interviews with farmers and butcher shops, offering valuable insights and tips for those interested in direct-to-consumer sales.

For those looking to deepen their understanding, we offer resources and courses at Choplocal University. Whether you're a farmer, butcher shop, or curious consumer, we hope to provide value and foster connections within this vibrant community.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We’re thrilled to bring you along as we continue to grow, learn, and share the incredible stories and flavors that make up Choplocal.