We caught up with the brilliant and insightful The Fuller Sisters a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
The Fuller Sisters, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s talk about keeping costs under control when growing. How have you managed to keep costs from getting out of control?
Navigating the realm of a meal prep company brings a plethora of expenses – from fluctuating food costs to labor, packaging, and beyond. Since day one, we have embraced the wisdom of comprehending profit margins and operating expenses. We recognized a common pitfall among business owners which was neglecting to pay themselves early on in their business venture.
Understanding the sacrifices necessary for business growth, we’ve always emphasized the importance of tracking our hours, even if direct payment wasn’t feasible. Whether we were physically compensating ourselves or just logging those hours for future reference, we think its an essential part of a business’s operating expenses.
Back when we kick-started our venture nine years ago, we meticulously documented every supplier, purchase date, quantity, price, tax, and serving details. We factored in labor, container prices, and operating expenses. Scaling up, we enlisted a CFO who crafted a customized database for a streamlined overview of our costs, allowing easy adjustments as supplier prices fluctuated.
This comprehensive spreadsheet isn’t just a record-keeper; it’s a profit-margin detective, ensuring we price our meals accurately for sustained production. We strive to stay resourceful by engaging multiple suppliers, conducting weekly price comparisons, and tailoring our menu to seasonal produce. Consistency in meat, veggies, and carbs not only streamlines our inventory but also maintains stable prices, reducing waste and paving the way for sustainable growth.
The Fuller Sisters, 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?
Both of our journey’s began on the soccer field, and a mom dedicated to nourishing us with home-cooked meals amidst the chaos. Transitioning from team sports to bodybuilding, our quest for physical achievement encountered a challenge – the relentless demands of meal prep on a super strict meal plan.
Faced with the monotony of limited foods and macros, we didn’t just cook; we crafted kitchen magic. Homemade marinades, inventive sauces, spice blends, and creative cooking methods transformed our bland meal plan into a culinary adventure. Our physical transformations caught the eye of peers, sparking a demand for the flavorful meals we were creating.
From this demand emerged our mission: sharing the revelation of how good the body is supposed to feel. Recognizing a gap in nutritional knowledge, we set out to educate, providing not just meals but an understanding of proper macros and daily caloric needs. Our meal prep service became a haven of additive-free, preservative-free, and deliciously crafted dishes.
The results speak volumes – customers experience not only physical transformations but a profound shift in how they feel. Fuller Nutri-Fuel’s approach isn’t about diets; it’s about portion sizes, sustainability, and a lifestyle change. Spanning diverse cuisines, from American to Indian to Italian, our food isn’t just fuel; it’s a flavorful, intentional journey. Many find lasting weight loss, muscle building, and a transformed relationship with food, embodying Fuller Nutri-Fuel’s commitment to helping people eat for life.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Posting consistently is key; set aside dedicated time to schedule content weekly or monthly. This not only maintains a regular presence but also allows for strategic planning, ensuring your posts align with your business goals.
Beyond scheduling, it’s important to provide your followers value. We like to share insights into our business, demonstrating how our products can solve our target audience’s real-world problems. Instagram’s scheduling feature simplifies the process, letting you focus on creating content that resonates with your target audience.
Being personable adds a human touch to your brand. Utilize Instagram stories to engage directly with your audience. Consider features like “Friday Founder” where you share your story, passion, and the mission behind your business. This personal connection fosters trust and loyalty, making your brand more relatable.
Engaging with your audience goes beyond mere interaction; it builds a relationship. Respond to comments, messages, and participate in conversations. This two-way communication not only strengthens your online community but also reinforces the credibility and authenticity of your brand.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Word of mouth has proven to be an amazing outlet for our company. We strive to deliver high quality, results driven and consistent products with a high level of customer service. This method has lead to our customers spreading the word themselves to their friends, family, and co-workers.
Beyond the culinary creations, the journey of building clientele extends into the digital realm. Social media allows us to not only showcase our offerings but to authentically connect with our audience. We have found that engaging content, heartfelt interactions, and a genuine online presence form a solid community.
We also aren’t above old school gestures! Every new subscriber receives more than just a confirmation email; they receive a tangible expression of appreciation with a hand written card. It’s a small yet powerful acknowledgment that each client is not just a number but a valued part of our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fullernutrifuel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullernutrifuel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fullernutrifuel/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fuller-nutrifuel-kirkland-5
Image Credits
Alicia Erickson Photography