FAST FIVE Josh Christensen: Marketing maestro
Meet Josh Christensen, a visionary entrepreneur and the driving force behind Genius Gourmet's marketing strategy.
With a solid background in sales, marketing and business, Josh has built a strong reputation for brand building and has been a digital marketing and Amazon entrepreneur since 2011. His unique experience as an entrepreneur has empowered him to provide vision and guidance across teams, identifying opportunities in new product development, marketing expansion, strategic partnerships and beyond.
Josh was instrumental in the foundation of Genius Gourmet Inc. as its first hire. From there, the winning team at Genius Gourmet has grown multiple brands that have expanded into retailers globally. With a passion for marketing, health and nutrition, Josh has dedicated his career to creating innovative and delicious products that cater to the needs of health-conscious consumers. His commitment to excellence and relentless pursuit of quality have positioned Genius Gourmet as a leader in the protein snack industry. Visit geniusgourmet.com for details.
1) What is Genius Gourmet, and how did it all begin?
We started in Coeur d'Alene, where three friends identified a need for tasty protein snacks. Now, our brand is making waves in major retailers, including Costco, bringing delicious and healthy options to people around the globe. Our journey began with a bold vision and has evolved into a successful brand dedicated to providing quality snacks for everyone. What drives our team is the development of cutting-edge products that are low in sugars and carbs, which anyone can enjoy!
After years of meticulous experimentation with wholesome ingredients and tasty flavors, we’ve cracked the code to offer some of the best-tasting protein snacks on the market.
Achieving what we have in such a short time has been a true team effort, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with our dedicated team. Our team's grit and perseverance in overcoming obstacles have helped to propel us to our current success.
We hope that you would follow us for the latest innovations from our team as we continue to push the boundaries in delicious and smart protein snacks.
2) What are some of your favorite products, and what are a few experiments that didn't make it?
Some of my favorite products include our Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bar and our Salted Caramel Crispy Protein Treat. These products have become staples for our brand, offering delicious and satisfying options for health-conscious consumers.
On the other hand, we've had some experiments that didn't quite make it. One example is our Keto Protein Chip line. While it was somewhat popular on Amazon, it didn't take off in stores as we had hoped. However, we're not giving up on chips altogether. We're currently working on a new chip line that will focus on high protein content instead of being specifically keto. This new approach aims to appeal to a broader audience while still delivering the nutritional benefits our customers expect.
3) Why is protein such an important part of our health?
Protein is crucial because it's a building block for our muscles, skin, enzymes and hormones. It plays a vital role in repairing tissue, maintaining muscle mass and supporting a healthy immune system. For those on specific diets like keto, protein is especially important as it helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of unhealthy snacking. Additionally, adequate protein intake is essential for anyone looking to support an active lifestyle, whether you're an athlete or just trying to stay fit.
4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I've been an entrepreneur for many years, having started over 15 companies. Some have been successful, and some have failed spectacularly. I firmly believe that persistence pays off with the right businesses and the right team in place.
People might be surprised to know that I'm also raising a blended family with my incredible wife, Kristina. Together, we have seven wonderful daughters. That's right, seven daughters! Balancing such a large family while creating numerous products and brands in my career is challenging, but it all comes together by the grace of God and a lot of caffeine. My wife is a rockstar mom and an amazing partner, making it all possible to raise this wonderfully chaotic family.
And in case you're wondering, some of my kids think I work at a Willy Wonka factory, making gum and chocolate bars all day. If only! While I'm not exactly conjuring up Everlasting Gobstoppers, I'm dedicated to crafting innovative, delicious products that bring joy to people's lives.
5) What are a few big goals for you and the Genius Gourmet team?
One of our primary goals is to expand our product line to include a wider variety of high-protein and low-sugar snacks. We also aim to significantly increase our presence in retail stores across the country, making our products more accessible to a larger audience.
Recently featured on QVC television, our vice president of sales has been asked to return regularly, and our team is gearing up for the sales volume this has brought to our brand. We sold out in seven minutes on air!
We have some significant projects in the works that we are thrilled to bring to fruition in 2025, projects we believe will propel our company into the same arena as other major household brands.
Additionally, we're focused on sustainability and are pioneering more eco-friendly packaging solutions. Ultimately, our mission is to relentlessly innovate and provide our customers with snacks they can feel good about eating.
