We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Eric Adams. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Eric below.

Hi Eric , thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The story of how Dog & Whistle came to be is deeply rooted in my passion for both food and dogs, combined with a growing concern for food waste and its environmental impact.

I’ve spent over 15 years in the culinary industry, working in various roles within restaurants and the foodservice sector. During this time, I couldn’t help but notice the immense amount of perfectly good, surplus food that was being discarded daily. It was disheartening to see such wasteful practices, especially knowing that there were people and pets in need.

My love for dogs, in particular, played a significant role in shaping this idea. As a dog owner myself, I’ve always believed that our furry friends deserve the best nutrition possible. However, when I looked at the pet food industry, I saw a disconnect between the quality of food we feed ourselves and what we feed our pets. It struck me that there was an opportunity to bridge this gap and make high-quality, sustainable pet food more accessible.

The ‘aha’ moment came when I realized that I could combine my culinary expertise with my passion for sustainability. I saw an opportunity to upcycle surplus food from restaurants and food manufacturers, turning it into gourmet, human-grade dog meals. This not only addressed the pressing issue of food waste but also offered pet owners a chance to provide their beloved pets with nutritious and delicious meals.

What excited me most about this endeavor was the unique approach we were taking. Dog & Whistle wasn’t just another pet food company; it was a mission-driven brand committed to making a positive impact on the environment, pet nutrition, and the community. We were solving the problem of food waste while offering pet owners a convenient and responsible way to feed their pets.

As I embarked on this journey, I knew it was worthwhile because it aligned with my values and addressed a pressing issue that no one else was tackling in quite the same way. Dog & Whistle was born out of a desire to create a more sustainable and compassionate world, one meal at a time.

Eric , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into the world of pet nutrition and food sustainability has been driven by a blend of culinary expertise, a love for dogs, and a deep commitment to addressing pressing environmental issues.

My background spans over 15 years in the culinary industry, where I’ve honed my skills and knowledge through various roles within restaurants and foodservice establishments. This hands-on experience allowed me to truly understand the dynamics of food production and distribution.

Dog & Whistle, the brand I founded, focuses on delivering innovative, high-quality, and sustainable pet food products. Our primary mission is to tackle the dual challenges of food waste and subpar pet nutrition. We achieve this by upcycling surplus food from food service businesses and transforming it into gourmet, human-grade dog meals, toppers, and treats.

One of the core problems we solve is the staggering amount of food waste generated in the food industry. By sourcing surplus ingredients and turning them into nutritious pet food, we reduce waste and environmental impact. Simultaneously, we offer pet owners a convenient way to provide their furry companions with wholesome meals that are often superior to traditional pet foods.

What sets Dog & Whistle apart is our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community impact. We’re not just a pet food company; we’re on a mission to create a more sustainable and compassionate world. We take pride in our unique approach to addressing food waste, our dedication to providing top-notch nutrition for pets, and our ongoing support for local animal shelters and community initiatives.

I’m particularly proud of Dog & Whistle’s journey from an innovative concept to being featured on Times Square, thanks to partnerships with organizations like Brex and the Gener8tor program. We’ve also been invited to speak at the 2024 SXSW conference, highlighting our commitment to raising awareness about food waste and its impact on the environment.

Ultimately, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that Dog & Whistle is more than just a pet food brand – we’re a movement for positive change. We invite everyone to join us in making a difference in the world, one delicious and sustainable meal at a time.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Funding Dog & Whistle was a journey that combined various elements, from bootstrapping to strategic partnerships and participation in accelerator programs.

Initially, I bootstrapped the business, using my personal savings and resources to lay the foundation. I believed deeply in the mission of reducing food waste and providing sustainable pet nutrition, so I was committed to investing my own capital to get started.

As the company gained traction, I explored opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Dog & Whistle became part of accelerator programs such as Target Forward Founders and the Tyson Foods Startup Accelerator. These programs not only provided crucial mentorship and guidance but also offered financial support and access to a network of industry experts.

Moreover, participation in competitions and pitch events allowed us to secure additional funding and recognition. Being featured on Times Square by Brex and the Gener8tor program was a significant milestone that not only brought visibility but also attracted investors who believed in our mission.

Through a combination of bootstrapping, accelerator programs, and strategic partnerships, Dog & Whistle has been able to secure the initial capital needed to drive our vision forward. It’s a testament to the dedication of our team and the belief in the importance of addressing food waste in the pet food industry.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Absolutely, one resource that has significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking is the book “Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age” by Jonah Berger. In this book, Berger delves into the science behind why things go viral and how ideas spread. One key concept from the book that I apply in my business is the idea of making all of my customers feel like MVPs (Most Valuable Players).

By creating an exceptional customer experience and treating each customer as if they are the most important person to our business, we not only build strong customer loyalty but also encourage word-of-mouth marketing. Satisfied customers are more likely to share their positive experiences with others, essentially becoming brand advocates who help spread the word about Dog & Whistle.

“Contagious” has provided valuable insights into understanding the psychology of sharing and how to create content and experiences that resonate with people, which has been instrumental in our growth and success at Dog & Whistle.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dogandwhistle.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogwhistlevegas/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DogandWhistles
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dog-whistle
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dogwhistlevegas
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dogwhistle6532?si=XZaqCUkIgrNJxgRs