In this episode, I’m joined by Neil Hudson, Co-founder of Scotch Boyz, a brand that’s brought authentic Jamaican flavors to the mainstream American market - and far beyond, as well.
I initially liked this story of 4 childhood friends coming together to build an international business, all while pouring back into the communities that raised them and Jamaican farms that produce their ingredients. I mean, what’s not to love about that story!?
But just a little ways into our conversation, I grew to like and respect Neil for his own thoughtful insights into business and working with friends, his obvious interest in others, and his understated sense of humor.
We begin by discussing, Curry Goat, a dish not only ubiquitous across Jamaica but also the signature dish made at The Hummingbird, a restaurant owned and operated by Neil’s father. I’m very grateful to Neil and his father for sharing this famous recipe with us, as well as to Neil for the many tips and history lessons he provided about other famous Jamaican dishes, like Jerk and White Rum.
As the interview goes on, Neil opens up about their branding strategy, the innovative and thoughtful business strategies they’ve used to create strong partnerships with Jamaican farms and buy-in from employees, and finally he shares the fun and exciting story of the HUGE win that allowed their small business to “escape gravity” and skyrocket into the global brand they are now.
Highlights
- “Nine night” a send-off party after a funeral, where you must have White Rum, Goat Soup, Curry Goat, and White Rice
- The story of jerk - runaway slaves who made a treaty with the British…
- Pimento = Allspice; a discussion
- Best sources for goat in the U.S.
- Tips for making the best jerk around (hint: includes an air fryer!)
- The story of the 4 founders of Scotch Boyz - and what each brings to the company
- How the Scotch Bonnet Pepper got its name!
- The branding, strategy, and positioning to get Jamaican products into the mainstream aisle next to household condiment brands
- How the Jamaican community benefits from the growth of Scotch Boyz
- Neil’s profit-sharing approach to Scotch Boyz and how he arrived at that approach.
- The farms and farmers who source the Scotch Boyz ingredients
- Winning the Next Black Millionaire Award and how Scotch Boyz “escaped gravity” with the 100,000 award
- Maintaining friendship in a business
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Neil's Storied Recipe: Jamaican Goat Curry
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