SMUDE ENTERPRISES
Business: Family-owned business produces Smude's Sunflower Oil. The cold-pressed oil, used primarily for cooking and baking, is made in an on-farm processing plant from locally grown sunflower seeds that are high in monounsaturated fats. It's available online and at nearly 100 stores, including several Kowalski's and Coborn's stores and a number of co-ops.
Founded: 2010
Headquarters: Pierz, Minn.
Website: smudeoil.com
Employees: 14
Executives: Tom Smude, president and CEO; Janelle Smude, vice president, chief financial officer; Scott Saehr, director of sales and marketing; Peg Ross, bottling manager.
2011 revenue: $250,000
Strategy: Refine marketing strategy to boost sales, set up automated bottling line as demand grows, introduce new branded products such as granola, bagged popcorn, croutons and infused oils.
