Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Gonzalez.
Hi Elena, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in the DC-area. After college, I knew I wanted to move back. I loved the diversity of the city, the endless food options, and my community of friends. I also knew that I did not want to work in politics. Outside of that, I was very open to possibilities. I looked at non-profit work, international development, business school. In that search process, I came across a startup called Union Kitchen. I was very interested in how they were leveraging food to drive economic development. I reached out and asked if I could volunteer. I had no idea that this would become my career.
When I joined Union Kitchen in 2015, the organization was still very much a startup. Everyone did everything. And I loved it. I had never been with an organization where I could see the tangible results of my work. I was fortunate enough to work directly for the Founder and CEO, Cullen Gilchrist, who has mentored me throughout.
Fast forward to ten years later and I am now the COO of Union Kitchen. We have a shared manufacturing facility, six grocery stores, an investment fund, and an accelerator. We’ve worked with hundreds of founders and launched products into over 40,000 stores around the country.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I started at Union Kitchen, I always said that the day I stopped learning was the day I would leave. That hasn’t happened yet and I am already ten years in. A smooth road is not something I’m looking for in my life. I want to learn and grow which requires being challenged. It doesn’t always feel comfortable. And I have definitely caught myself being frustrated in the process. But through it all, I’ve learned so much.
When you’re running a startup business, you are directly responsible for yourself and for those on your team. There is no one else to look to solve your problems. There’s no other department to loop in. That can be particularly difficult when it’s things outside your control but that impact your business. For example, when covid hit, we had no idea how that would impact the food industry. We didn’t know what our revenue would look like or if we’d even be in business. Those are the biggest struggles. Staying focused and not letting the noise distract you from solving the problem.
As you know, we’re big fans of Union Kitchen. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Union Kitchen is a food business accelerator and investment fund based in DC. We work with startups, corporation innovation teams, and international groups that want to build profitable food manufacturing businesses.
I absolutely love what I do. Food is such an amazing space to work in. I can’t remember a day where taste testing products wasn’t involved. Just last week, we did a taste test of non-dairy ice creams. Beyond the samples, I get to meet and work with people from all over the world. Food is special in that it has a way of bringing you back home whether that’s your home and someone sharing their home with you.
Our accelerator supports emerging food businesses from all over the world. We help you go from an idea/farmer’s markets to a national brand.
How do you think about happiness?
This might be obvious by my other answers already but food makes me happy! I love experiencing new flavors, textures, and smells. There is something about the moment when you ground yourself around a dinner table.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unionkitchen.com
- Instagram: unionkitchendc
- LinkedIn: Union Kitchen
- Youtube: @unionkitchenfoodaccelerato2119
