Nancy Goldstein
CEO of BudiBar
What inspired you to start your business?
I loved BudiBars from my first taste back in 2010 and came to rely on them for healthy food on the go – both in my busy life as a lighting designer and as a passionate fitness instructor. When BudiBars went out of production in 2015, I felt compelled to rescue them - for myself, for everyone who loves them now, and for all those who will love them in the future. So, with the investment help of a few friends who believed in the product and me, we bought the company and I got to work.
What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?
Take Chris Voss’ Masterclass, “The Art of Negotiation”. The best $90 I ever spent.
What three traits define you?
Committed, Persistent, Driven to succeed. My personal motto is “Don’t tell me I’m burning the candle at both ends – just tell me where to get more wax!”
What women inspire you?
Short list: Mika Brzezinski, Arianna Huffington, Katie Porter, Maya Wiley, Susan Rice, Sally Yates, Wendy Sherman, Carmen Cruz, Nancy Pelosi, my sisters, my daughters
How has being a WBENC-Certified WBE helped your business?
One specific example was being invited to present our products at a Kroger Supplier Diversity event. I met several amazing women entrepreneurs and have forged business relationships with them.
What do you see as the coolest or most important trend in your industry?
The commitment to healthy living goals and an “eat clean” lifestyle.
As a business owner, what keeps you up at night?
Financial challenges - especially as this business grows, with the need to spend money upfront (marketing, slotting fees, production line improvements, etc.) to increase sales volume.
Then there is the worry we all have in the face of the current pandemic. How will it affect our families, friends, and businesses?
What do you love about being a business owner?
As a control freak, I love the fact that the buck stops with me. Ultimately, I’m exclusively responsible for the health of my business and the welfare of our employees and partners.
What’s the hardest part about being a business owner?
See above!
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
From Lowell George of the band Little Feet: The same people that you must use on your way up, you might meet up on your way down.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Read and cook.
What are you reading or listening to now?
I just finished Rachel Kadish’s “The Weight of Ink” and now I’m reading Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “The Water Dancer”. I want to re-read “Year of Wonders” by Gertrude Brooks, based on the times we’re in.
My favorite podcast is “Stay Tuned with Preet” (Bharara).
How do you unwind after a long workday?
With a good sweat in a power yoga class.
What do you like about your workspace?
It’s filled with great light and talented people.
Fill in the blank:
When I face a challenge, ... my adrenaline kicks in.
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… to stress less.
The one thing I couldn’t live without is… BudiBars, obviously!
By this time next year, I will be… more successful.
The best thing that happened to me last week was… my boyfriend cooked my favorite dinner, his phenomenal chicken picata.
budibar
BudiBar is the award-winning Gourmet Superfood Nutrition Bar specifically formulated to enhance mental focus and provide sustained energy. Their gluten free bars offer certified vegan, certified kosher, sugar free, nut free, high fiber, and dairy free options for all dietary needs. BudiBars are a natural choice for consumers looking for healthy grab-and-go food options that satisfy very specific dietary needs and healthy living goals.
