I’ve written many posts about redefining yourself throughout life and I’m starting a series of posts and interviews about people who have done that very thing! Let’s inspire each other! I met with Myles Powell, founder of Myles Comfort Foods and we discussed how he went from being an engineer to starting his own company centered around food. Today, Myles has introduced a line of mac n cheese products and I suspect this is only the beginning.
Myles Comfort Foods
For those of you who are wondering, the answer is YES, I have tried his products. He was kind enough to give me a coupon and I picked it up at Target. We chose the homestyle mac n cheese and the Buffalo style mac n cheese. I even did a taste test with my high school student and he was very happy. One key thing to note, Myles believes in “real food that’s frozen, not frozen food.” There’s a difference! When you don’t feel like making homemade mac n cheese, you may want to try this out.
Today, you can find Myles Comfort Foods at Target, Whole Foods, or Mom’s Organic, along with other locations. For a full list, please click here!
What inspired you to make a complete career change?
Growing up, I found solace and joy in the kitchen, where family dinners were cherished moments filled with delicious meals and heartfelt conversations. These experiences shaped me and ignited a deep passion for cooking. Even during my early career in engineering, my true fulfillment came from immersing myself in the culinary world. I would often spend Friday nights watching the Food Network for inspiration. While engineering provided financial stability, it lacked the creative spark and fulfillment I found in cooking. The joy of seeing people savor my creation fueled my desire to pursue my culinary passion wholeheartedly.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about a second career or a career change?
Understand the why behind your next move. What is your purpose or goal? What is going to fuel your next move? When times get tough, what will keep you in the game? My advice is to think about these questions very deeply. And don’t let fear prevent you from making the next move. Your next move might be your best move but if you don’t make the attempt, you will never know. My mom would always say when it comes to career moves, “It’s not permanent”. You can always adjust and pivot as you continue down life’s path. I am so happy I started Myles Comfort Foods and look forward to the future.
Do you consider your Myles Comfort Foods a commercial success? Where do you want to take it from here?
I don’t. At least not yet. But that’s the negative side of being extremely hungry and ambitious. Sometimes it’s hard to appreciate the small wins. I have some pretty lofty goals. We are partnered with some of the largest retailers in the country like Whole Foods and Target. However, I see the brand as extremely early stage and I still feel like an underdog in the industry. Our goal is to expand into 5,000 locations and become one of the best-selling frozen food products in grocery. It’s my motivation to continue to seek the next growth stage.
How do you differentiate your product?
When you think about the frozen food industry, historically, it’s been quite stale. I have called it the “aisle of sacrifice”. But we are changing that. We differentiate our product through a combination of factors. Firstly, our emphasis on using high-quality, natural ingredients sets us apart from competitors who may rely on artificial additives or preservatives. Additionally, our commitment to offering a diverse range of mac n cheese flavors and options caters to varying customer preferences, providing a unique and personalized experience. Furthermore, our innovative packaging and branding distinguish us on the shelf, capturing consumer attention and reinforcing our brand identity. Overall, our product stands out in the industry due to its superior quality, variety, and branding.
What was your biggest learning curve?
Quite honestly, the biggest learning curve was learning the ins and outs of the CPG industry. This was especially true when we went from in-house production to co-packing and simultaneously working with major distributors and retailers. When you get to that stage, you are held to the same standard as major brands like Nestle and Kraft. Along the way, I was able to leverage the experience and wisdom of industry experts, mentors, and my fellow early-stage CPG founders. The road to scale is FULL of potential pitfalls. I call them “teachable moments”. And as you grow, those moments become more painful. So it’s important to move with caution. One prime example is knowing your audience. Not every retailer is an ideal partner for you. 1,000 locations with a retail partner that isn’t a fit can actually sink the business. Figure out where your product belongs, where your ideal customer shops, and develop a sincere fan base.
If you look back, what would you have done differently?
I would have been a bit more conservative in how we spent our capital. There were some marketing partnerships that weren’t a good fit given our current growth stage. I would also spent more time on customer discovery and a wants/needs analysis. Having that in-depth knowledge early on would have helped us allocate both our time and capital better.
How would you describe your company’s culture?
Our culture is one of inclusion, diversity, and the concept of “all hands on deck”. Note: Myles sent me an attachment on his company’s culture and values and I’d like to highlight one of my favorite parts. I think others could learn a valuable lesson from what he’s created.
“We would rather fail trying, than not trying at all. Failure teaches us humility, perseverance, patience, and resilience.”
I want to personally thank Myles for taking the time to discuss his company and future goals with me. As I continue writing, it’s also very refreshing to meet with people who are working hard to redefine and make their dreams come true. It’s proof for each one of us that we can pursue new goals and ventures. Its never too late!
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