We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Patrick Shatter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Patrick, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Every move you make carries a level of uncertainty and potential risk, whether you’re aware of it or not. The outcome of your actions remains unknown until you actually take them. Personally, I don’t dwell on the idea of risk when I’m pursuing a goal. I simply view each step I take as a necessary action to reach a desired outcome. One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was leaving a secure job with a regular income and benefits to follow my own path into uncharted territory. Many doubted my decision then, and some still do now. Dealing with skepticism is likely a lifelong struggle. However, I have no regrets about the choices I’ve made, as they have all contributed to where I am today. Progress is a continual process of building upon past actions, with each step leading you to unexpected places. It’s important to remain adaptable and trust your instincts, making decisions and moving forward without getting caught up in endless what-if scenarios.
Patrick, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
When I was a child, my parents gifted me my first guitar, sparking a passion for music that would shape my future. Spending hours in my room strumming chords and listening to songs, I harbored a dream of becoming a rockstar. As I transitioned into my teenage and early adult years, I delved into the local music scene in Southern California, playing in various bands and gracing stages with my performances.
It wasn’t until I turned 18 and discovered my love for fitness that I stumbled upon the wonders of peanut butter. Research revealed the nutrient-dense and protein-packed nature of nut butters, with an impressive protein-to-sugar ratio in each serving. Utilizing nut butters to fuel my workouts and meet my nutritional needs, I gradually developed a keen interest in creating my own blends, experimenting with different textures and flavors.
The culmination of my experiments led to the creation of “Rockstar in a Jar,” a special blend combining peanuts, cashews, and coconut for a unique and delicious taste and texture. Drawing inspiration from my musical background, I began infusing elements from my rockstar days into the nut butter brand. At our events, we offer customers a VIP rockstar experience, complete with audio and visual enhancements akin to a concert, making it more than just a nut butter – it’s an immersive experience.
Furthermore, we extend our services to provide manufacturing support for other brands, offering assistance with formulations, branding, merchandise, and everything needed to kickstart their dreams. With a passion for music, fitness, and nut butter, I have found a way to blend my diverse interests into a fulfilling venture that not only nourishes the body but also feeds the soul.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
When embarking on a product-based business, there are various avenues to consider for manufacturing your products. Some opt for in-house production, others turn to co-packers, and some choose the private-label route. Each approach has its own set of advantages and drawbacks. When I first initiated my venture, I explored the option of working with a manufacturer to create our products. However, I soon realized the challenges posed by the high minimum order quantities (MOQs) demanded by most manufacturers, particularly when dealing with perishable food items.
With no prior experience in manufacturing, I relied on my research skills to educate myself on the intricacies of operating a licensed facility and acquiring the necessary equipment. After months of intensive learning and planning, I meticulously mapped out the requirements and budget for setting up our production facility. One crucial lesson that emerged from this process was the unpredictability and cost overruns associated with construction projects. While these challenges may be daunting, they serve as a valuable reminder that setbacks and budgetary constraints are par for the course in such endeavors.
Despite the obstacles encountered and lessons learned, I recognized the potential to assist others in navigating the complexities of product manufacturing. In addition to producing our own goods, we offer manufacturing services to fellow entrepreneurs at a lower MOQ, enabling them to swiftly and affordably test their products in the market. By streamlining the production process and alleviating some of the initial financial burdens, we aim to facilitate a smoother and more efficient entry into the competitive business landscape.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Upon launching my business, I made the bold decision to channel all of my hard-earned savings from my stable job into my venture, essentially investing in myself and my dreams. Like many aspiring entrepreneurs, I did not have the luxury of external investors lining up to support my vision. In fact, most individuals cautioned against such a risky move. However, I firmly believe that there is never a downside to investing in your own aspirations.
I once came across a powerful statement that resonated deeply with me: “You can always earn back money, but time lost is irreplaceable.” This sentiment underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and pursuing your dreams without hesitation. While others may question your choices, you will never regret taking a chance on yourself. Regret often stems from inaction and missed opportunities, not from taking calculated risks in pursuit of your goals. Therefore, I urge you not to delay in pursuing your dreams – act now before it’s too late.
Contact Info:
- Website: ROCKSTARINAJAR.com
- Instagram: @rockstarinajar @patrickshatter
- Other: TikTok @rockstarinajar