Crazy Steve Took a Risk and His Spicy Endeavor Paid Off
Crazy Steve’s Pickles and Salsa makes some dang good pickles and salsa, plus a delicious bloody mary mix. If you plan on throwing a neighborhood or holiday party, the tasty items at Crazy Steve’s tent should probably be on the top of your grocery list. You won’t be able to miss Steve — just look for his vibrant Hawaiin shirt!
But it wasn’t always smooth cruisin’ and Hawaiin shirts for Steve Zielinski, Founder of Crazy Steve’s Pickles and Salsa.
“I used to be a commodities broker and after that I had my own restaurant,” Steve said. After a few career changes and starting his own garden, Steve decided to branch off and create his own pepper and salsa business.
He took a risk and ended up reaping the rewards.
“Over the course of 7 years I grew too many cucumbers and pickles in my garden. I could only give out so many to friends and family so I started selling to the public at local markets such as Asbury and Belmar Fresh.”
What started out as a home garden for Steve has since grown into a fully functioning business — and taking it on a national scale.
“At this time I am selling my pickles and salsa out of 50 different Whole Foods Markets around the country as well as other food stores, country stores and liquor stores,” Steve said.
Steve’s hot & spicy business model has paid off and he accredits a lot of that success to the Fresh Markets.
The Extra Spicy Connection
The Fresh Community provides Steve with venues in which it’s easy to receive personal feedback from customers.
“Customers are very interested in local vendors, they appreciate quality foods and craft goods because they know it’s coming from a good place,” Steve said.
The markets also give Steve a chance to talk to other vendors and improve certain supplies involved in his operation.
“Networking with other vendors has helped my business by leading to more contacts which is always a great thing when you are a small business owner,” Steve said. “The Asbury & Belmar Fresh scene is perfect for this because they offer a wide variety of other vendors from all different walks of life.”
It can be tough, being a small business owner, but having a network of people that support you is vital to any success story.
In The Heat Of Battle
Actually, running your own business is a lot like going to battle, there’s quite a bit of strategy, preparation accompanied by various defeats and glorious victories.
We asked Crazy Steve if he were to go into battle and his only weapon was one of his products, what would it be and why?
“My Insane Sunshine Bread and Butter Habañero Salsa, because it can kill wimpy people but turn my tough enemies who like hot and spicy into friends.”
So all you wimps beware! And for all the tough guys out there who like a little heat on your chips, swing by Steve’s tent this weekend at Asbury Fresh — you’ll probably see the Asbury Fresh Crew dying from the awesome flavor.
