Gerrie Lynn Adams's Page

What is your name?

Gerrie Lynn Adams

Are you currently heading a woman-owned business?

Yes

If you are in business, what is the name of your business?

Xengaru Fun Foods, LLC

Where did you get your idea for your business or the business you'd like to start?

I returned to school to get my B.S. degree in Food Science/Nutrition at Chapman Univeristy in Orange, California. Part of the curriculum for this major was a Product Development class where we were given the assignment of developing a new food product. My class project became the winner of the 2003 NASA FTCSC Product Development competition. NASA requires that the product be commercially made in order for it to be placed on the astronauts menu. So upon graduation in 2004, I looked into making the product. In March of 2005, Xengaru Fun Foods, LLC was incorporated and began offering it first product, Pizzzettos!

Where is (will) your business located? (City and State)

Headquartered in Laguna Niguel, CA

If you already have a website, what is the address for your business?

http://www.xengaru.com

How long have you been in business? (Or when do you plan to open?)

Product development began in the fall of 2004, but the company was incorporated and began producing the product in the spring of 2005.

How many employees do you have, if any?

1-5

What is your annual revenue?

$50K-$100K

Describe your product or service, or the product you plan to introduce to the market.

Pizzettos® is a crispy, fun, new baked snack made from real pizza dough which offers children and adults alike the taste of one of their favorite foods, pizza, without all the fat, sugar, additives or preservatives found in most other snacks. One of the best advantages of Pizzettos® is that they taste good, even though they are healthy! The full flavor of Pizzettos® appeals to not only those who are concerned with consuming healthier snacks, but also to those consumers who chose their snacks for taste alone.

How did you (or plan to) fund your business startup?

friends and family

What was (is) the biggest hurdle in getting your business off the ground?

Balancing demand with production.

What would you advise other women interested in starting a similar business?

Do lots and lots of homework and research about the market in which your product will be competing. Then have 3 times more money than you think you need and count on it taking 3 times longer than you think it will.

What has been your biggest mistake?

Not making sure that the people I partnered with were the right match. Not working with the right people can really surpress growth of the company.

What has been your smartest move?

Following my gut and doing what felt right.

Are you willing to answer questions from other women business owners about your business?

Yes

What is your email address?

GerrieAdams@xengaru.com