We recently connected with Gerald Dickerson and have shared our conversation below.
Gerald , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
“I was working in banking at the time, and all I really wanted was that classic, buttery movie theater popcorn—but at home. It sounds simple, but I couldn’t find anything that truly hit the spot. So I started digging online, researching how to recreate that perfect flavor. I got curious, experimented a bit, and started making it myself. One day, I brought a batch to work just as a snack, and before I knew it, my coworkers were asking for some too. That’s when it clicked—maybe I was onto something more than just a craving.”
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
For those who might not be familiar with me yet, I’d love to share a bit about who I am and how this all started. My journey began in the world of banking, but I always had a creative itch—and a serious love for movie theater popcorn. One day, I found myself craving that iconic, buttery flavor at home. After some deep-dive research and a lot of trial and error, I cracked the code and started making it myself. I brought some to work as a snack, shared it with coworkers, and their reactions lit a spark in me. That was the beginning.
What started as a fun experiment turned into something much bigger: a brand built on joy, flavor, and nostalgia. We used to offer our signature Movie Butter popcorn more widely, but now it’s something special you can only get in person. For our online customers, we’ve curated a mouthwatering lineup of unique and indulgent flavors, including Banana Pudding, Kettle Corn, Strawberry & Cream, Caramel Cheese, and—when available—our bold Dill Pickle flavor. Each one is crafted to deliver a fun, nostalgic twist on popcorn you can’t find just anywhere.
What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and quality. We’re not just selling a snack—we’re creating an experience. Every flavor is thoughtfully made to bring joy, comfort, and a little magic into everyday moments.
What I’m most proud of is seeing how something that started as a personal craving has grown into something people truly love. That moment when someone takes a bite and says, ‘This reminds me of the movies!’—that’s the kind of connection I live for.
To anyone discovering us for the first time: we’re here to bring you flavor, fun, and that cozy, nostalgic feeling in every bite. We’re more than just popcorn—we’re a whole vibe
Have you ever had to pivot?
One of the biggest pivots I’ve had to make in my business journey happened during the pandemic. Like many small businesses, I had to quickly adapt to survive. With in-person interactions completely off the table, I dove headfirst into online selling—building out a website, learning how to market on social media, and figuring out how to connect with customers digitally. It was a huge shift, but it taught me so much and really helped the brand grow in unexpected ways.
Now, as the world has opened back up, I’ve found myself pivoting once again—this time back to in-person selling. It’s a different kind of energy, being face-to-face with customers again, letting them taste the product, see the packaging, and experience the vibe in real time. It’s come full circle in a way. I’ve gone from online hustle to real-life connection, and each pivot has helped me grow as a business owner and stay connected to what my customers really want.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is taking ‘no’ personally. In the beginning, every rejection felt like a reflection of me or my product. But over time, I realized that a ‘no’ isn’t always about you—it can mean a hundred different things. Learning to move forward without carrying the weight of every no was freeing.
This mindset shift became especially important because I didn’t start this business just for fun—I started it with the goal of growing family wealth. But as the journey continued, that goal evolved. Now, it’s not just about financial needs—it’s about building a legacy. I want to create something lasting, something meaningful that goes beyond money. And that means staying focused, even when things don’t go as planned.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kingpopws.com
- Instagram: kingpopws
- Facebook: kingpopwinstonalem