So many people talk the talk, but not everybody walks the walk.
I know that’s an old saying, but there’s this thing about some old sayings: they’re true. That’s why they stay around so long, like good companies. You show up, you do the hard work, and you do the right thing just because it’s the right thing. Treat your customers like you want to be treated, and go the extra steps to make things right—even if it’s going to cost you some hard-earned money.
The way our dads and moms worked. They didn’t put on a lot of airs or try to be people they weren’t. Their way of life usually wasn’t very flashy, but it was real and honest and true. I kind of miss that reality—that authenticity—in today’s world. Who you are is who you are is who you are. Not one face for the customer and another for the banker and another for your family. If you say it, you mean it, and you’re willing to stand behind it. That’s what I believe.
There’s a lot of talk in our world now about “authenticity”—it’s a buzzword and people like to talk about presenting their authentic selves to the world … which I think is a little funny, because if it’s your authentic self, it’s just going to shine through. You probably don’t have to spend a lot of time crafting your authentic image, because authenticity doesn’t flow from what you decide to project—being authentic is what happens naturally. Being fake is what takes projection and decisions and smoke and mirrors.
I’ve watched a number of companies come and go in the Paleo world over the past ten years. Some had good intentions and good products. Some just showed up to make a buck on what they figured was the latest nutritional fad. I’m not here to judge anyone, but I am here to tell you that’s not us. At Steve’s PaleoGoods, we’ve been true to ourselves and our customers from Day One. I put my name on the company because I believe in the Paleo lifestyle to keep us healthy and I believe in our mission: to help kids have a better chance in life.
So when you see a new Paleo company rolling into this community, go ahead and try them out. I’m not asking you to stop doing anything. But you might be smart as a consumer to check out who they are, why they’re here, and what exactly they’re selling to you. Are they dedicated to our community or just to the bottom line? Those answers might tell you something else.
In the meantime, keep coming to Steve’s PaleoGoods and buying our PaleoKrunch Bars and our PaleoStix—knowing that 15% of your purchase goes to support underprivileged youth at Steve’s Clubs around the nation.
And remember what Howard Shultz (CEO of Starbucks) wrote: “In this ever-changing society, the most powerful and enduring brands are built from the heart. They are real and sustainable. Their foundations are stronger because they are built with the strength of the human spirit, not an ad campaign. The companies that are lasting are those that are authentic.”
Steve’s PaleoGoods is coming up on 10 years in business. We’re built from the heart. We’re lasting. We’re authentic. And we thank you for your support!
The hardworking crew who takes great pride in making handmade paleo products.
