When you’re making something in your kitchen, every batch is personal. A few tweaks here, a dash more there, and you’ve got your product. But what works on your countertop rarely holds up on a production line. Once you start scaling, even the smallest mistake can become a big expense.
Bryant Williams, a manufacturing and R&D expert who’s led production for everything from pet treats to packaged foods (and now founder of HardCore Peanut Butter) , shares what every founder should know about manufacturing, from finding the right co-man to building a process that scales before it breaks.
What’s the #1 mistake founders make when scaling from kitchen to commercial production?
In the beginning, always have your end in mind. If your product is a pain to make at a small scale, it will only be amplified in large-scale production. Keep it simple, and avoid overcomplicating your process. While you’re still producing in your kitchen, start scheduling introductory calls with different co-packers. Learn their costs, lead times, and MOQs. Always thinking at least six months ahead of where you want to be, and prepare for it.
What’s the fastest way to tell if a manufacturer is a good fit (or not)?
MOQ and volume are quick telltales. If a co-packer requires you to order by the truckload, but that supply would last you more than a year, they’re probably not the right fit right now. Maybe in the future. Look for partners with reasonable quantities that match your current demand and projections.
What should founders have in place before approaching a manufacturer or supply chain partner?
Founders need to know their products. Have your formula dialed in and documented somewhere. This should be kept as a trade secret. You also need clear specifications for every single ingredient.
Depending on your product, you may need to include detailed mix instructions, like durations, addition steps, heating, cooling, etc. Do not assume a manufacturer automatically knows how to make your product.
On the packaging side, have your artwork designs ready ahead of time. It might still need a few tweaks, but being prepared cuts back on a lot of lag time.
What’s the one thing founders should know when working with a co-man?
Remember, you’re one of their many customers. While your brand is your top priority, the truth is, you might be on the bottom of the totem pole to them. Maintain frequent communication, understand what quality checks they’re performing, and try to secure production dates. Being present during production runs is a huge plus if you are able to be there.
When margins are tight, what can founders do without compromising product quality?
There are several options founders can leverage, but not all are direct or easy. Formula optimization is one approach, but make sure you do side-by-side taste comparisons of the new product vs the current. On the raw material side, explore alternate options, both domestic and international. You can also negotiate contracts based on volume for maximum discounts with suppliers.
Bryant Williams, a manufacturing and R&D expert who’s led production for everything from pet treats to packaged foods (and now founder of HardCore Peanut Butter) , shares what every founder should know about manufacturing, from finding the right co-man to building a process that scales before it breaks.