OEN Member Spotlight – Mike Mathisen of Mad Mike’s Food Corporation

We believe wholeheartedly in buying local whenever possible to support our local community and help create jobs and stimulate the economy.  We believe by working together, we can overcome obstacles and challenges and produce fantastic, tasty products everyone can enjoy.  Our company supports local charities and organizations that help in our community. 

Q: What does your business do?
A: We are an Eastern Oregon, small batch food production company specializing in sauces and relishes.

Q: What problem does it solve?
A: Our product provides a healthy alternative to ketchup, bbq sauce, and relish lovers.

Q: How did you come up with this business idea?
A: We ran out of big brand ketchup during an event so we made our own.  We discovered we were really good at making ketchup and pretty good at selling it.

Q: What are your biggest challenges?
A: The ketchup market is dominated by two companies (Heinz and Hunt’s).

Q: What are your goals for the company?
A: Our goal is to have 2% of national ketchup market in 5 years.

Q: Are you looking for funding?
A: Yes we are looking for funding

Q: What would funding enable you to do?
A: Funding will expand our sales staff and production operation.

Q: Have you been an entrepreneur before?
A: Yes, I have been an entrepreneur prior to Mad Mike’s Food Corp.

Q: What brought you to OEN? What do you hope to gain from membership?
A: I came to OEN for advice, guidance, support and contacts.  Out in Eastern Oregon there is not a large group of entrepreneurs to bounce ideas off or get support.

Q: What has been the biggest surprise in your entrepreneurial experience to date?
A: The negativity to new ideas and the different ways to do business.

Q: What has been the best entrepreneurial advice you’ve received?
A: Never give up...press on and never fight for the same ground twice.