Hidden Gems: Meet Evan Weber of Nakee

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Evan Weber.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m Evan Weber, and I am the founder and CEO of Nakee & Co., where we create Nakee Butter Spreads with Benefits.™ Nakee Butter debuted in the fall of 2015, but I founded Nakee & Co. a few years prior in what I like to call my “research and failure phase.” After years of feeling like I wasn’t in alignment with my career, I quit my job as an IT recruiter and pursued what would eventually become Nakee & Co.

I was competing as a bodybuilder, and I noticed a gap in the market for healthy, protein-packed snacks that didn’t taste like cardboard. At the time, my business advisor asked me what my friends and family looked to me for advice about, and my answer was clear: nutrition and wellness. Thus, Nakee & Co. was born out of a desire to share my knowledge and help customers empower themselves to make healthy choices without having to make a snacking sacrifice (snackrifice?!).

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth road? Not exactly. But at Nakee & Co., we’ve approached every bump in the road as an opportunity to learn and grow.

We are self-taught entrepreneurs, constantly seeking knowledge and honing our skills. We have learned to soak up insights from mentors and peers in our growing network. Every setback we face is a chance to refine our approach and expand our understanding of the business landscape.

We’ve encountered our fair share of challenges. From unexpected equipment failures to the logistical puzzle of relocating production facilities, we’ve faced hurdles that tested our creativity and determination. Managing our rapid growth has been both exhilarating and demanding. As we’ve expanded our team to meet escalating demand, we’ve welcomed new faces and fresh perspectives, enriching our collective experience and fueling our passion for what we do.

Through it all, we’ve remained steadfast in our belief that every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise. With each challenge we’ve overcome, we’ve emerged stronger and more resilient, ready to tackle whatever lies ahead on our journey of growth and discovery.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Nakee & Co.?
Nakee & Co. is a Michigan-based food brand revolutionizing the snacking experience with our innovative Nakee Butter Spreads with Benefits™. We specialize in creating unique nut and seed butter spreads infused with plant proteins, adaptogens, and nootropics tailored to achieve different health goals.

Whether it’s the brain-fueling Cacao Peanut Butter Focus or the immune-supporting Maple Sunflower Butter Immunity, Nakee Butter is designed to nourish and energize the body naturally. It’s crafted from organic, plant-based, and gluten-free ingredients, free from artificial BS, and each serving offers 12g of plant protein with a complete amino profile.

We take pride in prioritizing nutrition without compromising on flavor or integrity. Our spreads cater to the growing demand for nutritious, on-the-go snacks that prioritize natural ingredients and flavor. The versatility of Nakee Butter, available in both on-the-go squeeze pouches and at-home jars, allows customers to integrate them into various meals and snacks, making health and wellness accessible wherever life takes them.

In addition to Nakee Butter spreads, Nakee & Co. aspires to introduce nutrition plans, coaching services, and a curated network of health and wellness practitioners. By broadening access to these services, the company endeavors to instigate positive transformations in its consumers’ health and overall well-being.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
In our experience at Nakee & Co., finding a mentor and networking effectively has been crucial to our growth.

Our involvement in Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses program was incredibly transformative. It provided invaluable mentorship and opened doors to new opportunities and connections that continue to benefit us today.

We’ve learned that being proactive in networking is key. Actively seeking out industry events, seminars, and conferences has allowed us to connect with like-minded professionals and potential mentors.

Additionally, joining intimate business groups or mastermind communities has provided us with peer mentorship and support. These smaller, focused groups offer a supportive environment for sharing experiences and gaining insights from fellow entrepreneurs.

Remaining open-minded to mentorship opportunities from unexpected sources has also been important. Sometimes, the most valuable insights come from those who have walked a similar path.

Pricing:

• Nakee Butter Pouches: prices vary depending on pack size (starting at $21.95)
• Nakee Butter Jars: from $19.95
• Bundles available!
• Subscription option available

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nakee.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nakeebutter/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nakeebutter
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nakee-co/?viewAsMember=true
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NakeeButter

Image Credits
Delicate Arch and Braden Latimer