The Accidental $8 Million Dollar Business: Beehive Meals

Introduction

In Davis County, Utah, a mother named Alise Jackson had no intention of becoming an entrepreneur when she set out to ease her family’s financial strain. Faced with the possibility of her husband’s job being eliminated, she began making homemade freezer meals to sell. She posted about them in her local Facebook group, and on her first day, she made over $ 10,000 in sales. Thus, Beehive Meals was born.

What started as a small side gig exploded into an eight-figure enterprise that helps families across Utah and beyond save time and stress during dinner. Alise’s journey encapsulates the ups and downs of rapid business growth, and her story is not just about the success of sales figures, but about the evolution of personal identity through entrepreneurship.

Early Beginnings and Growth

Alise grew up in Davis County, Utah, where her father was a land developer and entrepreneur. Despite witnessing the challenges of entrepreneurship, her approach to business was influenced by a desire to foster a stable family life. Initially intending to pursue a career in dental hygiene, Alise’s aspirations shifted after she married her husband, Adam, who also had entrepreneurial ambitions.

Following their marriage, Alise assisted Adam with his wooden sunglasses Kickstarter venture, which saw significant revenue, revealing Alise’s potential for entrepreneurship. In 2016, when preparing to welcome her first child, she went into nesting mode and spent a week preparing 80 freezer meals, inadvertently discovering the power of food in community support by donating meals to families in need.

Fast forward to 2019, and the couple relocated to Farmington. Adam was in graduate school when the idea of Beehive Meals materialized. Alise crafted a menu of freezer meals that quickly gained attention and massive orders from locals through social media, launching the business.

Pandemic: Catalyst for Major Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic turned out to be a boon for Beehive Meals. As people faced grocery shortages and meal prep challenges, Alise quickly adapted her business model to keep up with the rising demand. It became evident that Beehive Meals was more than just a side hustle; it was a necessity for many families.

In 2020, the company generated $ 1 million in sales, and by 2022, it exploded to $ 8 million. Alise emphasizes that they came up with creative solutions to the hurdles that arose during this meteoric rise, evolving their processes and expanding their team while maintaining their commitment to quality and community support.

Team Structure and Challenges

As Beehive Meals has grown, Alise has learned the importance of building a robust team, managing nearly 120 employees, and hiring out areas she does not excel in. Her business operates with a clear structure, employing managers in various departments to ensure that operations run smoothly without constant intervention from her.

Perhaps one of her biggest lessons has been recognizing the necessity to separate her identity from the business, accessing coaching to help navigate this transition. Alise highlighted that while she cherishes parts of running Beehive Meals, it is important not to let it define her entirely.

Community Engagement and Future Plans

Alise attributes much of her success to the support from the local community, sponsoring local events, and partnering with organizations like the schools and foster care programs in Utah. Looking ahead, Beehive Meals plans to implement changes that will enhance their sourcing practices, focusing on quality and local suppliers, further solidifying their mission to provide healthy and convenient meals.

In a world where many businesses struggle to adapt, Alise Jackson’s narrative is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of community, proving that sometimes, the best ventures begin by accident.

Keywords

• Beehive Meals
• Alise Jackson
• Entrepreneur
• Community Support
• Frozen Meals
• Pandemic Growth
• Business Growth
• Team Structure

FAQ

Q1: What inspired Alise Jackson to start Beehive Meals?
A1: She started Beehive Meals as a response to financial pressure and the need to help her family when her husband’s job was at risk.

Q2: How did Beehive Meals grow so quickly during the pandemic?
A2: The pandemic created a demand for convenient meal solutions, and Alise adapted her business model to address the rising needs of families facing grocery shortages.

Q3: How many employees does Beehive Meals currently have?
A3: Beehive Meals operates with around 110 to 120 employees.

Q4: What role does community engagement play in Beehive Meals' success?
A4: Community support has been fundamental; Alise engages with local organizations and schools, fostering goodwill and customer loyalty.

Q5: What future plans does Beehive Meals have?
A5: Beehive Meals plans to enhance their sourcing practices and solidify partnerships with local suppliers while continuing to serve families across more states.