Fat Mama Feeds
Fat Mama Feeds was founded by Brian Gwin with a passion for helping landowners, ranchers, and hunters improve wildlife nutrition through science-based feeding solutions. As a Texas-owned wholesale supplier and retailer of wildlife supplemental feed, the company specializes in high-protein, high-fat soybean feed designed to enhance deer health, antler development, and overall herd quality. In addition to premium feed products, Fat Mama Feeds also offers habitat management consultations and hunting operation guidance, giving customers the tools and knowledge to improve wildlife populations and achieve their land management goals.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been an important partner in Fat Mama Feeds' entrepreneurial journey. According to the owner Brian, "Through the WT EnterPrize Challenge, we learned more about planning our business. That journey was worth more than the prize money." The guidance they received through the competition and continued access to trusted business advisors helped strengthen their planning process and provided ongoing support as the company grew. With a commitment to innovation and customer education, Fat Mama Feeds continues to expand its reach while demonstrating how the right business support can help turn a vision into a successful and growing enterprise.
1. When did you start your business?
We started working on it late 2018, but officially November 2019- about 5 months before covid lock down.
2. Why did you decide to start your business?
We had started using soybeans in our feeders at our ranches. We had great results, however it was extremely difficult to find them and clean them for our personal use. I searched the internet for months to find a way to buy them like you can deer corn. Then one night while having adult beverages with some friends on our back patio I was complaining about not being able to get them. Ashlee was sick of me complaining about it and she said, “Why don’t we just do it!” I don't think she knew what that started, but I began working on the logistics of it and decided we could try it. If we didn't sell any it wouldn't sink us financially so we went for it.
3. What is your favorite memory in the business?
I think when we sold our first pallet of soybeans. It might have been our 2nd or 3rd sales call. I just remember being so happy that other people and business owners also liked the Idea. Now we sell semi loads of feed a day but it will never top that first pallet.
4. What is the most rewarding part of running a small business? I get to make my own schedule so I could make it to more sporting event for the kids. I used to work shift work at the Valero refinery and you always had a hard time making it to family stuff. Don’t get confused though when I go to family stuff as the owner you have to make up that time somewhere. So, if you take off for half day to watch a basketball game or golf tournament that means you are working till 11pm that night or losing your Saturday.
5. What is the hardest part of running a small business?
Risking everything your family has built because you “think” you have a great idea that will help everyone down the road. You hearpeople talk about risking everything for their business but until your losing sleep trying to figure out how to make it all work, I don’t think everyone can relate.
6. How does the business get to positively impact your community?
We purchase the majority ofour soybeans, corn, and milo directly from farmers here in the Texas Panhandle. It is usually grown within 1 ½ hours drive time of Amarillo. The rest is purchased through local grain elevators here in the Texas Panhandle. We work extremely hard to provide the very best value in wildlife feed to our customers and try to make a product that local folks can be proud of becauseit comes from their neighbors.
7. Biggest challenge in the business?
Well we have had covid, commodities price spikes, shipping lanes shut down, ports on strike, unprecedented inflation in our lifetime, wars, development of social media, and now record high fuel prices, oh yeah our biggest supplier decided to shut down operations in Amarillo. Take your pick.
8. What makes your business different from your competition?
So, Answer your phone or call people back, and deliver exactly what you say you will do. It’s not rocket science. We make it easy for people to do business with us. You wouldn’t believe how many suppliers we deal with that don’t answer or call back after many attempts.
9. Best tip for others in business?
Our main customer base is distribution to small town convenience stores and local feed/ hardware stores. We do have 2 of our own store fronts and service large private ranches. I think I’m mostly surprised by the great relationships we have developed with our customers of all sizes. . If you mess up and you will, say your sorry and don’t do it again. If you don’t know something it is ok to say “I don’t know, but I will find out” then go figure it out and CALL THEM BACK!
10. What’s something you wish someone had told you or that you wish you had learned earlier?
Stuff is going to come up that you can never prepare for, so prepare for that.
11. How did the SBDC help you on your venture?
Throught the WT enterprize challenge we learned more about planning our business. That journey was worth more than the prize money. Also we always have questions so the SBDC is a constant resource.
12. What's something you're grateful for today?
I’m most grateful for my healthy family. My wife who continues to love me through all my screw ups. We have reached the age where I get excited about the idea of growing old with her. My incredible kids I could not be prouder of them, and I’m excited to see them do there dreams now that everyone is graduated.