"With perseverance, knowledge, know-how and a bank of networking connections, plus a small slice of luck, everything is achievable and possible."
That is the view of Tom Gannon, Co-Founder of Fulfil Energy Bars and Cali Cali Foods.
Fulfil Bars hit the market back in 2016, selling 13 million bars in their first year.
"They were wildly successful," Mr Gannon said.
"Our biggest issues were keeping up with the production supply."
In its first year of trading, sales reached about €12 million, before doubling in size the next year.
So, how was Fulfil born?
In 2015, Mr Gannon and his colleague Niall McGrath discovered a gap in the market.
"We were convinced that there was an opportunity to bring protein bars from the gyms and health food stores to mainstream retail where we had been working for almost 20 years.
"We saw that protein bars had benefits to them like appetite sation, low sugar and high protein but the texture and taste of the current crop were poor, so we decided to fix it and that’s how Fulfil was born," he explained.
As with every start-up, the team faced obstacles on the road to success.
"Myself and my business partner had to work between 18 and 20 hours a day as we were trying to make the right contacts, get the correct contracts for the business but also deal with the best and most sustainable suppliers and ensure everything married together to allow us to get the products to retailers on time and in the correct volumes," Mr Gannon explained.
Despite these challenges, the business continued to grow and expand to new markets.
In 2018, following reports of a falling out with Barry Connolly, who at the time owned 50% of the company, Mr Gannon and Mr McGrath both sold their 25% shares in Fulfil.
But it wasn't long before a new business was born - Cali Cali.
"We had taken several trips to the US and noticed that two mega-trends that had started in California were taking off - streetfood trucks selling foods of the world and plant-based foods and snacks," Mr Gannon explained.
"We wondered if we could create an umbrella brand which had a range of snacks and foods that were always plant-based and healthy, but tasted unreal by using the authentic streetfood flavours of California."
The brand launched initially in 2019 with a range of street food sauces and crisps, followed by a range of seasonings and healthy snack bars.
"We have since launched the ranges of snacks and sauces into the UK, Australia, Holland, and the UAE," he said.
The team then sold the Cali Cali brand to the Boyne Valley Group in December of last year.
Mr Gannon is now a shareholder in Nutriquick, a Wicklow-based company that produces ready meals and is involved in the day to day running of the business.
"We have just finished a major facility upgrade and our plans are on track to double our distribution and turnover in 2023, introducing new on trend flavours working closely with Irish suppliers and introducing some amazing extensions to be the brand," he said.
When asked what achievements he is most proud of, Mr Gannon said:
"My family - I’m married to a very understanding wife who has supported all my career decisions and my two healthy children.
"I’m also proud that myself and my long-term friend and business partner were able to create a subcategory in the retail landscape, that was welcomed and well-received by the Irish public and was an award-winning product that offered something different to the consumer.
"To then go back into the market with a newly founded product and to be equally accepted and welcomed by Irish retailers and consumers was a real testament to the efforts we put in to create an Irish product that was going to be different to anything else on the market," he added.
Mr Gannon said the success of the these brands has given him a platform to be involved with more Irish companies - to offer guidance and advice.
"This wouldn’t have been possible without the hard-work and graft we put in," he said.
Later this month, Mr Gannon will be among those speaking at Wealth Summit.
The free event is open to business owners and entrepreneurs looking to scale their business and ultimately reach financial independence.
The event is the brainchild of Richard Collins, CEO of wealth management company Walfried Private.
"I believe there is a niche in Ireland for business owners to come together under one roof to gain knowledge, know-how and networking opportunities.
Mr Collins will speak about the key financial challenges at each stage of the business cycle from start-up to scale and exit.
He'll also expand on his top tips for small business owners when it comes to managing their wealth:
Top tips for managing wealth
1. The biggest gains in wealth management are not just from investment returns but rather the tax efficient structuring of these returns.
2. Optimise pensions, maximise tax reliefs.
3. A business is for scaling, not for life. Plan your exit today!
4. Exiting your business earlier in your career brings financial freedom through entrepreneurial relief
Mr Collins said Wealth Summit attendees will learn from the mistakes of those that have been successful in business.
Former professional footballer turned businessman Niall Quinn will discuss moving from the world of sport to the world of business.
Suzanne Jackson will discuss how she scaled her cosmetics business to a certain level and decided to engage the right people in the right positions to allow her to develop the business and brand even further.
Wealth Summit takes place on the 11th of May in the Westin Hotel, Westmoreland Street, Dublin.
While tickets are free, registration is required, with spaces limited.
"This won't be just a one-day event like other seminars where people attend, get the feel-good factor and then leave with no actual, tangible follow-up," Mr Collins explained.
"Accountability is required and multiple break-out events throughout the year will ensure delegates stay on track."
Joanne Browne, Founder and Creator of Jo Browne Ireland will be among the attendees.
"We offer luxury natural products both for you and your home," Ms Browne said.
"Our ethos is to develop premium products in a natural, sustainable way."
Ms Browne has already launched her products into Brown Thomas, and has opened her own shop in Kildare Village.
"We have also just launched into the Lyrath Spa and hope to expand into more spas shortly," she said.
Ever since she was a child Ms Browne has dreamed of running her own business.
"I still remember looking out the window while I was in school daydreaming, thinking that I'm going to be known for something.
"I worked in 26 different jobs always thinking I can do better than this," she said.
Ms Browne is hoping the upcoming Wealth Summit will help her grow the business and reach new heights.
"Attending Wealth Summit will be very important for me and my business, as we are now in the growth stage and want to be around like-minded people," she explained.
Those interested in attending the Wealth Summit, can register their interest online.
