Be better tomorrow than you were today. That’s the key, just work on it daily…whatever “it” is.
Bryn Butolph is the CEO and co-founder of Eat Clean Meal Prep, the largest locally-owned meal delivery organization serving San Diego. Bryn is on a mission to help people in San Diego improve their lives through eating real, minimally processed food. He has made such an impact with his nutritional and flavorful dishes, the San Diego Mayor dubbed October 23rd “Eat Clean Meal Prep Day”.
Where did the idea for your company come from?
I was trying to come up with a phrase that conveyed my desire to have the ingredients for my meals not come from a can. Around the time we started the business, eating clean was all the rage in online articles. Kept circling back to it as the most simplistic way of describing our vision. It just sort of stuck!
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I oversee a lot of businesses, so first part of the day is spent double checking my schedule for that day to ensure I have a game-plan of what I will accomplish. I start every day with a glass of water, NPR news and a cup of coffee. Then I am off to the races, 16 hour days are common, 5 hours of sleep are a must, and I don’t really watch tv…ever. Might sound boring, but trust me, I am doing what I love and am having a blast!
How do you bring ideas to life?
I love mapping them out, explore all options and then poke holes in my idea. What won’t work, who is doing it better, who has failed in the past and why. It takes me a while to get everything out of my brain, often times there are a lot of sticky notes involved.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I love seeing more focus on communities coming together to help each other, instead of rivals tearing each other down. Seems like a lot of tension in the world is slowly making an increase for well intentioned neighbors realizing we are more alike than different.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Knowing what I know is great, knowing what I don’t know is even more powerful. To waste time on tasks that are not in my wheelhouse is counterproductive, so I find professionals around me to include in my network. Together we can kill it at what we do best, helping each other along the way.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to take risks, all of those years spent sitting on an idea could have been spent working on your dream. Go for it, what’s the worst that could happen?!
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I sleep, I promise. And yes I can sleep right after having coffee. I promise, I am not working myself to death (contrary to my mother’s belief). I truly enjoy every day, as hectic as it may be, I thrive in the crazy world that I live in.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Be better tomorrow than you were today. That’s the key, just work on it daily…whatever “it” is.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Be frugal. Just because you have the money, doesn’t mean you should spend it.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Trademark and do it right away. It will cost you a lot of time and headache to fight for it afterward when someone has a similar mark to yours.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Monthly subscription for retirement homes, (crossword puzzles, candies, personalized cards) there’s only a few who do it. Partner with meals on wheels, so every box you sell helps someone in need. Brighten our elders lives, create a few jobs along the way.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Headshots, all day! They make you feel good and make your PR team happy.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
Quickbooks, gotta know your finances inside and out. I know at any second how much any of the businesses I oversee has in their account, what they can or can’t spend.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Local newspaper. Find it, read it, and show up to a city hall meeting to help your neighbors. Sure, it’s not a book, but that’s where I spend my time reading. I want to know what my neighbors are doing and how I can help.
What is your favorite quote?
Be the change you wish to see.
Key Learnings:
- Draw strength from those around you. Communities need you as much as you need them.
- Be okay with an idea not working out, just don’t give up.
- Tomorrow is a new day, how can you be more effective. Ask yourself that every day and you’re going to kill it.
Connect:
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.