We recently connected with Chris Hanson and have shared our conversation below.
Chris, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I have been around people who had side hustles, before side hustles were a thing. My parents always had a couple these jobs going back in the 80’s. They installed whole home vacuum systems, decorated wedding cakes and sold Watkins products. All on top of their regular jobs. So I had been looking for something that I could do to fire up a different part of my brain. I really fell in love with Pizza Making years ago and now love that I get to offer it to people.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a Midwest raised guy. Love it here. I do a morning radio show (have for almost 30 years) and do a couple of things on the side. I started in selling Bison coolers, then making t-shirts (still do) and then camper rental and now pizza vending.
I don’t see myself ever leaving my full time job, but the art of making pizza from scratch is so much fun. My mom is such a great cook and baker, it’s fun to follow those footsteps.
Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?
One of the main places I sell my pizzas is at a vendor/farmer market event. They host 3 of them a year. I have a great relationship with them. I make their giveaway tote bags and make their merch t-shirts. THEN I also vend at their events. So it’s a great way to not only spread the pizza brand, but to also help expenses with making their tote bags and shirts.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The less I seem to always have to remind myself is: YOUR NOT CHARGING ENOUGH.
We all love doing these small business ventures. It’s easy to get into a mode where you want to make price points low…to drive sales…to reach more people…whatever. However, this isn’t sustainable. Make sure what you sell is something with your pride and expertise behind it…and don’t be afraid to ask for more for that product.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coolersportsfargo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coolersportsfargo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoolerSportsFargo
Image Credits
Cori Jensen