We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jon Webster a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
I was in the process of creating a Hot Sauce Company about 16 years ago. Developing and perfecting recipes, getting FDA approval and working with a Co-bottler to scale it up for larger batches. Working on a name that would stand out in a market that has many similar products that have, let’s say, off the wall names. Some colorful and some childish. I knew I had to hit it just right. Then it happened. I found what I needed to hit all the buttons……My Son!!
My son and his Mother spent some time in New Zealand. One day they were at a Glacier and the next day, they were at a Rain Forrest. One of few places in the world that can happen. On the Rain Forrest portion of the trip, my son got into the river, smeared soft river rock on his face like the Locals and stuck a pose in preparation of his own New Zealand Haka ritual. He looked like Wild Boy going to battle. Hence, the name Wild Boy Hot Sauce.
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.
So, for how it all started, I was shopping at this out of the way little store and found a Chili Garlic Hot Sauce that sounded good. After getting home and trying it, I went back and bought the last 3 bottles. Yes, it was that good. A month or so later I went back and that were all sold out. With my culinary background and my abilities, I decided to make my own.
What started out as a passion for cooking, the skill of creating unique flavor profiles and the love of hot sauces has turned into a business venture that has grown tremendously over the last few years is ready for next level of………growth.
Testing and retesting with friends and family, blending, tasting, correcting and testing again. Going from 12 to 24 bottles, 50 to 80 bottles, 180 to 300 bottles at a time. And it’s still growing……(the first commercial production run was 3600 bottles X 6 different sauces)
THAI DRAGON is a garlic, ginger, curry sauce with Thai peppers and fresh vegetables. Very savory and addictive. Great on fried food, rice, noodles and more.
CHILI GARLIC is just what it says very garlicky and spicy with the help of Thai peppers. The most versatile of my sauces.
NOT JUST PEACHY is like biting into a peach and finding a hot pepper. My personal favorite. I like it on Bacon/Onion Pizza or Cream Cheese and Crackers or anything fried.
FIVE CHIPOTLE The spice of slow smoked red jalapenos combined with fresh vegetables, herbs and a hint of sweetness will add a savory and smoky flavor to any dish.
SMOKIN PEACH CHIPOTLE A blend of our Not Just Peachy and Five Chipotles. The best of both worlds. Southwest Smoky Chipotles and Sweet and savory Thai Pepper infused peaches..
BEAST IN A BOTTLE A Floribean Fusion of Heat and Savory Flavors captured in a bottle. Inspired to satisfy the craving for spice and the longing for flavor to compliment any meal. Citrusy, Herby and Spicy. Great on seafood, rice or vegetables.
These are 6 of the 27 recipes I put into mass production with the hope to add to the collection soon.
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
Starting a business can be very difficult from having the right product at the right time in the right place. Hot Sauce has been a very trendy market for several years. One part due to the increase Scoville (heat) levels and the trendy sauces from local next door kitchen manufacturers. A lot of the small batch sauces out there take pride in “burning your face off hot” or I like to called them “Brother-in-Law Sauces”. The only come out when your Brother-in-Law comes over and you have him try some of your new batch. Only to laugh when he cries for an hour and calls you names. Then the bottle gets put up until next time.
Taking pride in what you produce with very specific flavors and uses. I always say “Flavors first, then heat”. A sauce and/or condiment should complement your food not cover it up or make your mouth hurt for an hour or more. Those sauces have their place.
To make it all legal, I found a wonderful Co-bottler to start with small test batches to reproduce my flavors. Then a batch goes off for testing, PH, pathogen and all the safety steps need to have them mass produced and bottled for sale. Then all the legalities or registering your business, taxes, insurance do you market to stores or hit all the local vendor shows and even online presence. Although, online is difficult due to shipping in most cases cost as much as the product.
For what lessons I have learned. First and foremost, ABM Always Be Marketing. I have great products and I give away a lot of samples. I’ll go to a restaurant and give bottles of sauce to the Chef and Kitchen Staff to try and get their opinions.
At some point, a customer will ask for some hot sauce other than the familiar brands. Someone will say. “… the Chef has some new sauces in back, let me get some”. Customer tries the sauce and looks it up online. ABM
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
The following is written in the 3rd person and shows the amount of resilience I have
“Jon Webster, a proud Marine, had always approached his military service with a strong sense of duty and commitment. His journey, however, took an unexpected turn during a routine training exercise, leaving him with injuries that would forever alter the trajectory of his military career.
As a dedicated Marine, Jon excelled in various training scenarios, always pushing himself to meet and exceed the high standards set by the Corps.It was during one such exercise that a mishap occurred, resulting in injuries that were not sustained in combat or deployment but were no less impactful.
The incident left Jon with physical impairments that made it impossible for him to continue his active service. Although he hadn’t faced the challenges of a combat zone, the toll on his body was significant enough to warrant careful consideration by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Jon’s journey post-injury was marked by determination and resilience. Adapting to a life outside the military presented its own set of challenges, but Jon embraced the support of his friends and fellow Marines. Recognizing the importance of caring for both his physical and mental well-being, Jon sought medical attention and rehabilitation services to navigate the new chapter in his life.
As his story unfolded, the Department of Veterans Affairs reviewed Jon’s case thoroughly, taking into account the unique circumstances surrounding his injuries. After careful consideration, Jon received the news that he would be awarded 100% Service Connected Permanent and Total Disability.
The announcement came as both a relief and a validation for Jon. Though his injuries hadn’t occurred in the heat of battle, the recognition acknowledged the sacrifices he had made in service to his country. The financial support that accompanied the award would provide stability for Jon as he faced the challenges of adapting to civilian life with his newfound disabilities.
Jon became an advocate for veterans who had experienced injuries during training. He worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the importance of recognizing and supporting service members facing challenges that might not be directly related to combat or deployment.
Jon Webster’s journey became a symbol of resilience, highlighting the need for comprehensive support for all veterans, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their injuries. His advocacy echoed in the halls of veteran support organizations, fostering a greater understanding of the diverse experiences that shape the lives of those who serve in the military.”
PRESS RELEASE
February 15, 2024
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildboysauce/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wildboysauce/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-webster-8092634b/
Image Credits
Jon Webster