Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Freeman.
Hi Eric, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up relatively poor, I say this with respect because my mother was a single mother from Cuba, and my brother and I had a PlayStation and new clothes every school year. I moved around a lot growing up so I found friends in different locations but never really had the stability that a young boy/man needs (ability to adapt). My father was absent, my brother was born when I was 6 considering my mom was single and very close to the poverty level, I had to grow up fast and help raise him (leadership). I looked to sports for direction, companionship, and obedience. I would say that I had just enough direction not to go to prison unless something crazy happened.
Four days after turning 19, sure enough, something crazy happened that put me in prison for 2.5 years. I got out when I was 22 with a victim mindset. I felt like society and karma owed me for what happened. I lived my life that way, not treating my loved ones the way I should have been, I had to go through years of healing, I’m still healing.
At the age of 26, I had the opportunity to move to South Florida; this is where things aligned for me. I started to become more aware of what I was consuming. TV turned into educational YouTube videos, unhealthy music turned into podcasts, and daily junk food turned into protein shakes and healthy eating. Eating fresh, healthier food was the foundation of my journey to a healthier, more productive Mindset.
I moved back to West Michigan where my support system was after about a year in Florida. I started to work extremely hard. I reached out to individuals/organizations who helped new entrepreneurs/start-ups develop a viable service/product.
Mindset Meals started as Superior Meals and it was simply a fully prepared individual meal delivery service. We needed to make a bigger impact, so we started to build relationships with large organizations with a lens toward corporate responsibility.
I realized that Mindset Meals was about much more than a meal delivery service. It is ultimately about providing healthy nutrition to underserved communities and individuals who are looking to improve their lives. We learned that there was a market for this and we are very excited to announce we will be launching Mindset Meals version 2.0!
My story is unique and even though I went through the darkest time in my life, I found a way to persevere. I wouldn’t be who I am without what I experienced. My support structure made a huge difference in my life. And I understand today that I had to go through unfortunate circumstances to realize that I need to make a positive impact on my community.
I’m here for the underdog, the underserved, the forgotten, I’m here for all of us.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I am working to overcome the reality that I have a felony attached to my name — one of the worst things you can get in the United States. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been told “no” related to jobs and professional and personal growth opportunities. Two large colleges denied me. Potential business partners saw this as a risk, when in fact it’s an opportunity.
I’m a person of color in West Michigan.
I have imposter syndrome. Sometimes when I speak with executives, I find myself thinking I’m not worthy because I didn’t graduate with a master’s degree. When in reality my lived experience is its own Ph.D.
Building a social enterprise while at a poverty-level income is not for the weak. Imagine the opportunity I’ll have to develop Mindset Meals when I’m not worrying about my next paycheck, transportation, etc.? We’re getting close to this and I’m thankful for the help I’ve received through this journey.
I’m built for entrepreneurship
As you know, we’re big fans of Mindset Meals. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Mindset Meals provides access to nutritional well-being in large organizations with a focus on corporate social responsibility. Our goal is to improve outcomes for individuals and underserved communities where nourishing prepared meals are not always readily available. Flavorful, nutritious, culturally relevant ready-to-eat lunches, snacks, drinks, and education differentiate us and create the first steps toward healthier living and better lives. “Sticky” tech in the form of an app under development will help organizations improve their employees well-being.
We are most proud of our social responsibility. Providing under-resourced communities with the same great quality of flavorful, nourishing, ready-to-eat meals and education as the large organizations.
Mindset Meals is more than meal prep
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Are you or do you know a large organization/corporation with a lens on corporate responsibility looking for unique, genuine ways to engage and help your workforce become happy, healthier, and more productive via nutritional well-being? Tell them about us, connect us.
Organizations in the space of food equity, and food sovereignty, providing fresh food to food deserts, please connect us.
We are actively seeking funds from unique social investors.
How can Mindset Meals help you?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mindsetmeals.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsetmeals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindsetMeals/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKEGqqEr0O74G5XyIgqMzw
Image Credits
Isabel Media Studios
Alister Kruizenga
