Brass Roots, a New Orleans-based snack company, burst onto the scene with its innovative use of sacha inchi seeds, offering a healthy alternative to traditional nut-based products. After a memorable appearance on Shark Tank, the company has continued to grow and thrive, catching the attention of industry experts and consumers alike. In this blog post, we’ll explore Brass Roots’s net worth, its journey since Shark Tank, and the exciting prospects for this rising star in the health food industry.
Who is Brass Roots?
Brass Roots is a health-conscious snack company founded in 2019 by Aaron Gailmor. The company’s mission is to provide delicious and nutritious snack options that cater to individuals with nut allergies or those simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional nut-based products. The critical ingredient in Brass Roots’s products is the sacha inchi seed, also known as the Incan peanut, which is a highly nutritious and allergen-free alternative to peanuts and tree nuts.
Who Is The Founder Of Brass Roots?
Aaron Gailmor is the founder and driving force behind Brass Roots. His journey to creating the company began in 2010 when his father was diagnosed with heart disease, prompting Gailmor to take a closer look at the role of nutrition in overall health. After moving to New Orleans, Gailmor became more aware of the prevalence of diet-related health issues in the community, which further fueled his passion for developing a healthier snack option.
| Founder | Aaron Gailmor |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2019 |
| Investments | $1 million from John B Sanfilippo & Son (2021) |
| Mission | Providing allergy-friendly, healthy snacks |
| Community Outreach | Partnerships with Mercy Foundation, Roots of Music, Youth Run Nola, Covenant House Nola |
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Brass Roots?
Brass Roots’s appearance on Shark Tank Season 14 was a memorable one. Gailmor entered the tank with a lively New Orleans-inspired performance, complete with a band playing “When the Saints Go Marching In.” This dynamic introduction helped him capture the sharks’ attention and showcase the brand’s vibrant and community-focused identity.
However, the sharks were concerned about the company’s high production costs and Gailmor’s relatively small equity stake, ultimately leading to no deal. Despite this setback, Gailmor was praised for his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to his mission.
| Entrepreneur | Aaron Gailmor |
|---|---|
| Business | Snacks made from sacha inchi seeds (Brass Roots) |
| Ask | $400,000 for 7% equity |
| Result | No Deal |
| Sharks | None |
Brass Roots Shark Tank Update:
Even though Brass Roots did not secure a deal on Shark Tank, the company has continued to thrive since its appearance. The “Shark Tank effect” was evident, with the company experiencing a surge in website traffic and orders following the episode’s airing. Gailmor and his team took the sharks’ feedback to heart, making strategic changes to improve the company’s margins and focus on its best-performing products. These efforts paid off, as Brass Roots achieved profitability by the first quarter 2023.
What Happened To Brass Roots After Shark Tank?
After its unsuccessful Shark Tank pitch, Brass Roots continued to expand its retail presence, with its products now available in stores like Sprouts Farmers Market, Whole Foods, and Amazon. The company also doubled its community involvement, partnering with organizations like the Mercy Foundation, Roots of Music, and Covenant House New Orleans to promote nutrition education and support local initiatives. These efforts have helped to strengthen the Brass Roots brand further and cement its reputation as a socially conscious company.
Brass Roots Net Worth:
While Brass Roots has not publicly disclosed its net worth, industry estimates suggest the company is valued at around $5.71 million as of 2023. This impressive valuation is a testament to the company’s growth, innovation, and the increasing demand for its unique, allergen-free snack products. As Brass Roots continues to expand its product line and distribution channels, its net worth is expected to continue climbing in the coming years.
| Year | Gross Revenue |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,000 |
| 2020 | $250,000 |
| 2021 | $500,000 |
| 2022 | $1.5 million |
Brass Roots Growth and Operations:
Since its launch in 2019, Brass Roots has experienced significant growth, with sales doubling yearly. In 2022, the company was on track to generate $1.5 million in total gross revenue. To support this growth, Brass Roots has expanded its production capabilities and streamlined its operations, focusing on its best-selling products and improving profit margins. The company’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement has also been crucial to its growth strategy.
Brass Roots Marketing and Sales:
Brass Roots has employed a multi-pronged marketing approach to reach its target audience. In addition to its strong online presence and e-commerce sales, the company has secured placements in prominent retail outlets, increasing its visibility and accessibility to consumers. Brass Roots has also leveraged its community partnerships and social media channels to build brand awareness and connect with health-conscious consumers.
| Product | Details |
|---|---|
| Best-Selling Product | Lightly Salted Sacha Inchi Seeds |
| Cost to Produce (per bag) | $5.00 |
| Retail Price (per bag) | $17.99 |
| Retail Availability | Whole Foods, Sprouts Farmers Market, Amazon, Brass Roots website |
Brass Roots Social Media Presence:
Brass Roots has a robust social media presence, with active accounts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The company uses these channels to showcase its products, share recipes, and engage with its growing community of supporters. Brass Roots’s social media strategy emphasizes the brand’s commitment to health, wellness, and making a positive impact, which resonates with its target audience.
Brass Roots Interesting Facts:
- Brass Roots was among only 11 contestants selected to participate in the 2019 Good Food Financing & Innovation Conference Pitch Slam.
- In 2021, the company received a $1 million investment from the Fisher Brand manufacturer, John B Sanfilippo & Son.
- Brass Roots’s flagship product, the Lightly Salted Roasted Sacha Inchi Seeds, is the company’s best-selling item. Each bag costs $5 to produce and sells for $17.99.
- The company has been featured in various media outlets, including Forbes, ABC, Women’s Health, and VegOut LA.
What’s Next For Brass Roots?
As Brass Roots continues to gain traction in the health food market, the company is poised for even greater success. The brand is preparing to launch a new product, the Sacha Inchi Bar, which will expand its nutritious, allergen-free snacks lineup. Additionally, Brass Roots has been included on Whole Foods Magazine’s “25 Trends to Watch For” list, indicating that the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for healthier, socially conscious food options.
Final Words:
Brass Roots’s journey since its Shark Tank appearance is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and a solid commitment to making a positive impact. Despite not securing a deal on the show, the company has continued to thrive, leveraging its unique product offerings, community involvement, and strategic decision-making to drive growth and cement its position as a rising star in the health food industry. As Brass Roots looks to the future, the prospects for this dynamic New Orleans-based company are up-and-coming, with the potential to become a dominant force in the allergen-free snack market.
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