Meet Laurie Rowe, the visionary creator behind Jordan Ridge Sauces, a beloved family-run and operated sauce business. Laurie's journey, marked by perseverance, creativity, and a deep connection to her roots, reflects the essence of entrepreneurial spirit intertwined with familial heritage.
Laurie's venture into the world of sauces wasn't a premeditated plan but rather a serendipitous discovery rooted in her desire to share a taste she cherished. “"The original idea was I was going to get barbecue sauces in the States because I had found one that I liked... and I was going to bring it in." Laurie recalls her initial idea of importing barbecue sauces, which pivoted due to import fees and a growing exchange rate.
Guided by her nephew's wisdom and her family's culinary legacy, Laurie revisited her roots and unearthed her grandmother's cherished recipe for Maple Campfire sauce. This revelation became the cornerstone of Jordan Ridge Sauces, infusing Laurie's childhood memories into every bottle. With a dash of nostalgia and a dollop of innovation, Laurie transformed a family tradition into a thriving business.
Yet, Laurie's path was not without its challenges. As a female rural entrepreneur, she grappled with regulatory hurdles, logistical obstacles, and the delicate balance between business and personal life. Recounting her struggles, Laurie remarks, "Every time you turn around, you have a question, and you don't know who you're going to ask... you're too close to it that you can't break it down," Laurie recalls, speaking about the challenges she encountered as a female rural entrepreneur. Yet, her resilience and resourcefulness propelled her forward, seeking guidance from mentors and resources like Community Futures.
Despite facing challenges along the way, Laurie's resilience has been unwavering. From navigating the complexities of distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic to learning the ropes of social media marketing, Laurie has embraced each obstacle as an opportunity for growth.
"I call Jordan Ridge Sauces, the beast that is starting to growl," Laurie declares proudly, reflecting on the exponential growth her business has experienced. With a dedication to quality and authenticity, Laurie's sauces have garnered a loyal following, evoking nostalgia and comfort with each bottle. "Those simple, no preservative ingredients to my Maple Campfire are like the canoe trips and trail rides and family vacations," Laurie explains, emphasizing the emotional connection her sauces evoke.
Since transitioning to wholesaling, Laurie's business has thrived, doubling its revenue annually. "This year, I'm on track to double my revenue again," she shares. From collaborating with health food distribution companies to embracing new opportunities for expansion, Laurie remains steadfast in her pursuit of culinary excellence. "It reaffirmed to me that my little sauces are doing their own thing, I have so many people that are supporting me, and they’re supporting local, and they’re supporting good taste."
For Laurie, Jordan Ridge Sauces is more than just a business—it's a legacy, a celebration of family traditions and a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. As she continues to delight taste buds and evoke cherished memories with each bottle of sauce, Laurie Rowe's story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
W: jordanridgesauces.ca
P: 403-933-2100
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