We were lucky to catch up with Brit Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brit, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I embarked on a granola bar journey back in 2015. It all started when I noticed the lack of nutritional value in the granola bars my husband was eating and I was determined to create something better. I crafted a granola bar that was both delicious and packed with essential nutrients, free from unnecessary additives. But it wasn’t just about granola bars. Thinking about how our bars could stand out, I found myself teaching our young son about manners and so, manners became our brand’s purpose. Our granola bars are crafted from simple, gluten-free, and dairy-free ingredients. They’re wrapped in eco-friendly packaging, but that’s not all – they carry a message that matters.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, I’m Brit, and I call beautiful Minnesota home! I began my granola bar journey back in 2015 and as I thought about how our bars could stand out, I found myself teaching our young son about manners. The impact of a simple, “No, thank you!” versus a plain, “No!” struck me. If such a small phrase could ease tensions with a child, imagine the transformative power of manners in all aspects of life. Manners mean respecting others, even when we disagree. We’re all humans, striving to do great things, and sometimes, we just need a gentle reminder to be kind to one another. My hope? Our granola bars become a daily delight for people – a tasty reminder of the incredible power of manners.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been focusing on a deeply rooted Minnesota presence and a commitment to quality, local ingredients. We’ve worked hard to establish our brand at farmers markets, which has allowed us to engage directly with our community and grow towards our goal of being the go-to granola bar for Minnesotans. By using Minnesota-grown honey and sponsoring local sports teams, we’ve created strong connections that celebrate and support our state. Additionally, being featured on Twin Cities Live has boosted our visibility within Minnesota, further building our loyal customer base. We prioritize exceptional customer experience, with quick responses to inquiries and a consistent delivery of high-quality products. Our brand message, centered on mutual respect, kindness, and environmental stewardship, resonates with customers who value businesses that give back and promote a positive community impact.

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

From the beginning, we chose to self-fund our business, which allowed us to grow at a steady, organic pace. Every dollar spent has been generated from our sales, creating a cycle of responsible and ethical growth. This approach has given us the freedom to make decisions that align with our values, without being tied to investor expectations. Our slower growth path also enables us to listen closely to our customers, adapt to their feedback, and refine our product along the way. Additionally, we’ve been able to tap into local grant programs, which not only expand our financial resources but also connect us with a wider network of supporters in the community – thanks Minnesota!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ptygranolacompany.com/
• Instagram: ptygranolaco
• Facebook: PTY Granola Co.

Image Credits

Hannah Gerber Photography – Brit headshot
Skylar Rae Photography – P&TY product photo #5