Growing up in a household dedicated to food quality instilled a love for Justin from a young age. After visiting South Korea in 2008, he decided to take the plunge with his business partner - Tyler - to follow their hobby into a reality.

What Inspired You To Start Your Company?

It was really just a hobby gone wild. A pickling hobby led to an obsession, which led to an idea, which led to a reckless pursuit of turning it into a business that just happened to kind of work out.

Tell us about your products.

We make pickles and Bloody Mary Mix. Our focus is to get really fantastic, fresh ingredients and let those do the talking. We definitely strive to let our creativity shine and play with unique ingredients that allow us to make something unique and inspired.

What Does Being A Small-Batch “Artisan” Mean To You?

It means paying attention to every little detail and being willing to commit to practices that make it more difficult to scale the business because those are the things that make our products special.

What is your favorite small-batch treat?

Beer! We thoroughly enjoy the thriving beer scene in Denver. Some of our favorite small-batch breweries include Crooked Stave, Call to Arms, Black Shirt, Spangalang, and Ratio.

What Drew You To Food?

My parents were always passionate about the food in our fridge and the food they served us. I've always been obsessed with food because of them but I became especially interested in cooking when I spent 6 months living in South Korea in 2008.

What Products Are You Working On Now?

We are getting ready to release our Thai Chile Ginger pickles. They are made with authentic Thai ingredients including lemongrass, ginger, Thai chiles, galangal root, lime leaf, and palm sugar.

Do You Have a Favorite Product?

I'm obsessed with Chile Crunch. Its a super-small batch product out of Denver.

Latest Ingredient Obsession?

Sichuan peppercorns

What’s The Best Piece Of Advice You’ve Gotten In Building Your Business? What Advice Would You Give Other Artisans?

The best advice I've received is learn from your mistakes. My advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs is to be clear about what it is that you want to be and what it is that you want to accomplish and then to filter your decisions through that lens. Also, take advantage of the resources that are available to you.

If You Had To Choose Your Last Meal, What Would It Be?

Oysters.

What Do You Enjoy Doing Outside of the Kitchen?
Hanging out with family, laying in hammocks, and going to concerts.

What’s Your Favorite Kitchen Soundtrack?

Some good Mississippi Delta Blues like John Lee Hooker or Howlin' Wolf.