Brock Giles, a 36-year-old entrepreneur from Salt Lake City, Utah, is the founder of High Mesa Chile Co., a small-batch hot sauce and spicy cocktail mixer brand. His journey from starting a side hustle to turning it into a full-time business is an inspiring tale of passion, perseverance, and hard work.
Giles initially started High Mesa while working in finance, but it wasn’t until he transitioned into analytics and product management at a large ecommerce firm that he began to focus on growing his side business. His inspiration for High Mesa came from his childhood experiences with food, cooking, and entertaining, particularly the influence of Southwestern U.S. cuisine from family friends in New Mexico. This deep-rooted connection to food and culture led him to create a brand centered around roasted chiles, reflecting his love for cooking with these ingredients.
The early days of High Mesa were marked by challenges and uncertainties. Giles had to navigate the complexities of starting a food business, relying on local farmer’s markets and industry mentors to launch his products successfully. As a numbers person without direct experience in the food industry, networking and seeking guidance from experts were crucial in overcoming obstacles and building a solid foundation for his brand.
One of the biggest challenges Giles faced was maintaining a clear goal amidst the slow growth of his side hustle. With limited time, energy, and capital, he had to make strategic decisions to avoid chasing fleeting opportunities and stay focused on long-term success. The journey from inconsistent monthly revenue to steady growth was a gradual process that required patience, resilience, and a willingness to invest back into the business.
Despite the initial struggles, High Mesa eventually saw significant growth, doubling its revenue year over year and expanding into new markets and product categories. Giles’ passion for food and creativity in recipe development have been key drivers of the brand’s success, along with his dedication to seeing his vision come to fruition.
For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own side hustles or full-time businesses, Giles offers valuable advice. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on goals, making decisions from a strategic perspective, and maintaining a long-term vision for success. Building a business requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt to challenges along the way.
In conclusion, Brock Giles’ journey with High Mesa Chile Co. is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and determination in turning a side hustle into a thriving business. His story serves as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and build successful ventures from the ground up.
