Veteran-owned Funky Chunky gourmand popcorn turns into fashionable vacation hit

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With Individuals diving into the holiday gifting season, one veteran-founded model is popping up all over the place, from company reward lists to household celebrations.

Funky Chunky, a Minnesota-born gourmand popcorn firm identified for its chocolate-drizzled caramel corn, has grow to be a vacation favourite for a lot of, due to its indulgent flavors and small-batch craftsmanship.

The model’s story started within the Nineteen Nineties, when Funky Chunky emerged as a handcrafted Minnesota deal with that developed a cult following at local markets and specialty retailers.

On the finish of 2021, U.S. Military veteran Ryan Kuo had the chance to amass the corporate with a small group of pals, he advised Fox Information Digital.

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"The chance wasn’t to modernize Funky Chunky as a model," stated Kuo, who is predicated out of Chicago.

"It was to professionalize the enterprise and thoughtfully scale it right into a nationwide model with out dropping what made it particular."

U.S. Military veteran Ryan Kuo acquired Funky Chunky in 2021 with a mission to scale the beloved popcorn model. (Funky Chunky, Inc.)

The chocolate-drizzled caramel corn didn’t harm both.

"Significantly, it’s loopy addictive," Kuo stated.

Immediately, Kuo, who has led main meals manufacturers, run private-equity turnarounds and suggested veteran founders nationwide, says he's most pleased with constructing a staff and working a platform that allowed the enterprise to develop nationally whereas staying true to its roots.

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Kuo’s method to management stems from his time within the navy, he stated.

A West Level graduate and Iraq Warfare fight veteran who served from 2000 to 2005, Kuo stated his years in service formed how he makes selections, builds belief and prioritizes loyalty to each his staff and his clients.

Kuo is a West Level graduate and Iraq Warfare veteran. (Courtesy Ryan Kuo/Funky Chunky, Inc.)

"The navy instilled a deep sense of integrity, loyalty and duty for each folks and outcomes," he stated.

These qualities present up now in his consideration to high quality and buyer expertise, he stated. "Buyer satisfaction and earned loyalty are the muse of sustainable development."

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He's additionally an lively supporter of fellow veteran entrepreneurs, teaching via the PenFed Basis and advising veteran CEOs via the Institute of Veteran and Navy Households' CEO Circle program.

His message to employers is simple: "Rent extra veterans — you gained’t remorse it."

As for the vacations, Funky Chunky’s rise in recognition isn't any thriller, Kuo stated. It is a best choice for company presents, host presents and household gatherings.

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"Funky Chunky's gourmand popcorn makes an incredible holiday gift as a result of it’s indulgent, shareable and simple to provide — however nonetheless feels considerate and particular," he stated. "We frequently hear from clients who skipped a 12 months to strive gifting one thing else. They arrive again as a result of their reward recipients had been dissatisfied it wasn’t Funky Chunky."

The model is understood for its inventive mixes, together with Sea Salt Caramel and Peanut Butter Cup. (Funky Chunky, Inc.)

This season’s curated vacation bundles, which begin at $25 and let recipients pattern a number of flavors, have grow to be particularly fashionable.

Funky Chunky’s lineup consists of its signature Sea Salt Caramel in addition to Peanut Butter Cup, Chip Zel Pop, Chocolate Pretzel and Nutty Choco Pop, plus seasonal twists together with Birthday Cake, Sweet Corn Pop, Pumpkin Spice Pop and Pepperminty Choco Pop.

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"We wish to say that when you give Funky Chunky, you’ve discovered your go-to reward without end," Kuo stated.

The corporate stays proudly veteran-owned, manufactured within the USA and continues to provide again to service members. Consumers can discover extra at funkychunky.com, the place veterans, reservists, Nationwide Guard members and active-duty service members obtain 25% off.