Inspiring Conversations with Bruce Osterhaven of Big O Smokehouse Inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bruce Osterhaven. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Our family has been in the food business for 5 generations. There have been family struggles and financial struggles along the way, to say the least. Our niche has always been the seafood business. As for Big O Smokehouse, it was founded in 1997 by Keith Osterhaven his meticulous attention to detail and quality made him the perfect fit to perfect the art of smoking fish. In 2001 Bruce D Osterhaven Graduated high school and suffer through 1 semester at community college before admitting college was not for him. Bruce, Keith’s 3rd born son of 4 boys, worked well with Keith because he enjoyed getting creative with how to make high-quality new outside-the-box smoked products. Mind you this was before smoking meats was trending. With their dynamic combination of creativity and attention to detail, they developed many Items. Some at the top of the list are salmon Jerky, smoked fish spreads, Smoked shrimp, smoked shrimp dip. The saga continues as Keith’s sons Bruce and Kurt continue on and work towards growing the business and expanding territory and hoping to reach their goal of finding partners to reach the Continental U.S. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been many struggles along the way. The demands of business have caused plenty of blood, sweat, and tears. The strain has definitely taken its toll on relationships and our physical health. We see our business as our mission and purpose. learning from our mistakes and failures to make us stronger and more equipped to take on the challenges or the future. Covid has brought new challenges but people will always need to eat. We will improvise, adapt and overcome. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We smoke our product with all-natural hardwood smoke. Our fish is hand-cut by real people that are working to put food on the table for their families. We are committed to producing top-quality smoked Products every batch every time. We have found that our niche is smoked fish and seafood. Our top 3 items are Sweet smoked salmon jerky, smoked Whitefish Spread, and Smoked Shrimp. We are proud to have a brand that people know they are going to get a quality products from a company that cares about people. 

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe to get a business started you need people who are willing to take a big risk and take a leap of faith. Once you have made it a few years you still need to take the risk and keep pushing, but you also need the analytical people to help keep things on track so you’re not always chasing shiny stuff. My Grandpa was told by people you sure are lucky to have a successful business. His response “The harder I work, the luckier I get”. If you live in your basement, never take risk whether it’s covid your scared of starting a business. What’s the point? I’m not saying be ignorant. Come up with your best plan take safety measures and give life a try. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.bigosmokehouse.com