E-commerce Consumable Biz 101: The Grit Behind Building Grit Sticks with Derrick Wilson

Want to turn your passion into a thriving business while honoring your roots and values? In this episode of The Happy Hustle Podcast. I sit down with my man, Derek Wilson—entrepreneur, rancher, outdoorsman, and all-around inspiring dude—to dive into his journey of launching Grit Sticks: a line of premium, 100% American beef sticks that honors his family's ranching legacy. Let’s be real, building a successful product-based business isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. Derek opens up about the grit it takes to launch consumable products, the challenges of the supply chain, and the lessons he’s learned in an ultra-competitive space. He’s here to share gold nuggets on marketing strategies, subscription services, and the importance of storytelling to build brand loyalty—even when competing against imported alternatives. Derek also dives into how grit applies to both marriage and business. As a husband and father of four, he’s mastered balancing entrepreneurship with family life, all while keeping his priorities in check. And trust me, that balance takes just as much hustle as growing a successful business! He also shares invaluable tips on the art of sales, understanding your numbers, and how to leverage subscription-based models to build a sustainable business. If you’re looking to step up your marketing game, Derek’s advice on customer engagement, building brand loyalty, and targeting the right audience will have you scribbling down notes. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever dreamed of launching a product, building a brand that matters, or simply finding more purpose and grit in your day-to-day life. So, grab a Grit Stick (or your snack of choice) and tune in! In this episode, we cover: 03:02 Marriage Wisdom and Grit in Relationships 06:10 The Journey of Grit Sticks 08:48 Understanding the Supply Chain 11:57 Honoring Family Legacy Through Business 14:59 Lessons from the Consumable Product Industry 18:01 Marketing Strategies for Consumables 25:59 The Challenge of Competing with Imported Beef 26:57 Building Brand Loyalty Through Storytelling 28:51 Targeting the Right Audience for Beef Products 29:47 The Importance of Subscription Services 30:44 Creating Value Through Customer Engagement 31:40 The Power of Retention in Business 35:12 Health and Wellness Through Nature 37:41 The Art of Sales and Self-Promotion 40:32 Spiritual Connection and Personal Growth 45:26 Navigating Challenges in Business Connect with Derek https://www.instagram.com/derekwilsonshow/ https://www.facebook.com/primalking Find Derek on this website: www.gritstick.com Connect with Cary! https://www.instagram.com/caryjack/ https://www.facebook.com/SirCaryJack https://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/ https://twitter.com/thehappyhustle https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featured Get a free copy of his new book, The Happy Hustle, 10 Alignments to Avoid Burnout & Achieve Blissful Balance https://www.thehappyhustle.com/book Sign up for The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Course https://thehappyhustle.com/thejourney/ Apply to the Montana Mastermind Epic Camping Adventure https://thehappyhustle.com/mastermind/ “It’s time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!” Episode Sponsor: Magnesium Breakthrough from BiOptimizers https://bioptimizers.com/happy If you've been on a restricted diet lately or maybe even taken some meds to shed those pounds for the summer, I gotta warn ya—be careful! You might have unknowingly created a nutrient deficiency that could not only mess with your health but also jeopardize those weight loss goals. Did you know that over 75% of Americans are already deficient in magnesium? Yeah, it's wild! Magnesium is this powerhouse mineral that's involved in over 600 biological reactions in your body. It helps with everything from sleep to stress management to hormone balance—all key players in keeping your weight on track. And if you’re still on those meds, you might be dealing with some side effects like sleepless nights, digestive issues, or irritability, which can totally throw off your commitment to your goals. Whether you’re taking meds or not, setting up healthy habits is crucial to maintaining your weight over time. One of the best things you can do? Make sure you're getting all the magnesium your body needs. Don’t let a magnesium deficiency derail your progress! Give Magnesium Breakthrough by BIOptimizers a shot. Unlike other supplements, this one’s got all 7 forms of magnesium that your body can actually absorb, so you get the full spectrum of benefits. This approach will help you crush your goals and maintain a healthy weight while keeping your overall health in check. For an exclusive offer, head to bioptimizers.com/happy and use the promo code 'happy10' at checkout to save 10%. And if you subscribe, you’ll snag amazing discounts, free gifts, and a guaranteed monthly supply.