54-Year-Old’s Lucrative Side Gig Earns Up to $50,000 Monthly

Shannon Houchin, a 54-year-old entrepreneur from Fort Worth, Texas, has found success in an unexpected industry – selling peaches on the side of the road. Alongside her son Finn Canard, 22, they own and operate Roadside Republic, a seven-figure business that has captured the hearts of many customers. In this Side Hustle Spotlight Q&A, Shannon shares insights into her journey, the challenges she faced, and the joy she finds in running her unique business.

Before delving into the world of peach stands, Shannon was the COO of a family-run software company. Her background in research and pattern recognition proved to be valuable skills that she could apply to her new venture. The inspiration for Roadside Republic came in 2013, following her father’s diagnosis with small-cell lung cancer. Wanting to make a real impact and bring happiness to people’s lives, Shannon decided to explore the world of selling peaches at a roadside stand, a suggestion from a friend that would change her life forever.

Taking a leap of faith, Shannon apprenticed with the Peach Man in South Carolina, bringing her son Finn along for the journey. In 2014, she opened 100 stands in the same summer, utilizing her experience in logistics and operations from the software business. Despite making mistakes along the way, Shannon learned quickly and adapted her strategies to ensure the success of Roadside Republic.

One of the most challenging aspects of starting this business was the lack of resources available for guidance. Shannon had to build Roadside Republic from scratch, relying on her business education and entrepreneurial spirit to pave the way. She emphasizes the importance of learning from failures and constantly evolving to meet the demands of the market.

One pivotal moment in Shannon’s journey was a costly mistake in overordering inventory, resulting in a warehouse full of over-ripe peaches. From this experience, she learned the importance of forecasting sales and managing inventory efficiently. Today, Roadside Republic operates smoothly, with no peach going to waste.

Despite the labor-intensive nature of the business, Shannon finds immense joy in seeing how peaches can bring happiness to people and foster a sense of community. Roadside peach stands serve as more than just a place to buy fruit – they are hubs of connection and nostalgia, allowing customers to engage with local growers and share stories of days gone by.

The success of Roadside Republic has been swift, with profitability achieved within the first week of operation. The business has since expanded into mobile farmers markets, farm box subscriptions, and online education, catering to a year-round demand for locally sourced produce. Shannon’s dedication to her business is evident in her daily routine, which involves early mornings, overseeing multiple stands, and engaging with customers to ensure their satisfaction.

What Shannon enjoys most about running Roadside Republic is the freedom it provides, the stories she hears, and the connections she makes with people. Watching customers light up when they taste a delicious peach is a rewarding experience that fuels her passion for the business. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful – sell something today, take it to market, and talk to customers. The clarity that comes from that first sale can set the stage for future success.

In conclusion, Shannon Houchin’s journey with Roadside Republic is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a genuine desire to bring joy to others. Through her innovative approach to selling peaches, she has created a thriving business that not only generates revenue but also fosters community and happiness. As she continues to grow Roadside Republic, Shannon remains committed to providing quality produce and memorable experiences for her customers.