Episode 22: Nana Joes Granola

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Nana Joes Granola products, Michelle Pusateri with SOFI Awards and Michelle’s parents

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“We have to learn how to support each other’s businesses”

In this episode, our featured voice is Michelle Pusateri from Nana Joes Granola. Nana Joes Granola is a wonderful example of a local manufacturing startup that has incubated through SFMade. And who’s owner brings her passion for both healthy natural foods and putting the community before profits which is why at Nana Joes Granola every employee is making above minimum wage.

Michelle Pusateri /Granola Master/Founder

As I was learning to surf at Ocean Beach, I always craved a bowl of granola when I got out of the water but was shocked and disappointed to find that many of the options in my local grocery store were full of sweeteners, preservatives and most importantly weren’t gluten free.

Being a Culinary Institute of America trained pastry chef I thought "I can make my own granola" and developed recipes with enough fat, fiber and protein to sustain me. When I created the perfect combo of oats, nuts and fruits that's when I knew I was onto something very special.  

What started as a way to sustain my surfing habit turned into feeding friends and family and eventually the whole neighborhood and now the entire Bay Area. 

We love what we do and can’t wait to share our creations with you! 

Nana Joes Granola

Why is it called Nana Joes Granola? 

My fondest memories growing up were with my family, so I named the company after my Grandma who I called Nana, and both of my Grandfathers named Joe! The polaroid picture on each bag of granola is a picture of my parents on their third date in 1968 laughing after enjoying

In 2010 Nana Joes Granola was born with the goal of bringing whole food ingredients back to the grocery store shelves while supporting my local community (and surfing habit). I believe breakfast should be a meal that nourishes and sustains you which is why all Nana Joes Granola products are made with 100% natural ingredients, with no preservative and sweetened with just a touch of maple syrup. I think it is a necessity to put community before profits which is why at Nana Joes Granola we ensure each and every one of our employees is making above minimum wage and has lots of opportunities to grow so they never have to work an entry level kitchen job again.  

For now (this is where I want to say "With A Perspective") I will continue to run Nana Joes Granola as a business that stands for "Community Before Profit". A company that helps nurture a stronger community. We actually take the time to make a difference in our employees lives by providing them with the tools they need, so they never have to work another entry level job again. We will continue to buy almonds from local farms at the farmers market at $1.00 plus more per pound, supporting and fostering our relationships. I have not said I would never find investors, but if I do, they would have to be the right fit for us and for the NJG family and community. 

With Love and Respect,

Michelle and the Nana Joes Granola Family

Nana Joes Granola Product Family

To find out more about Nana Joes Granola product line which you can order directly or buy it in your local store

Videos

To find out more about Nana Joes Granola story and products check out our videos:

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