Justin Snyder of Forest Superfoods reveals how he grew a global health brand from just $250 to 350,000+ orders with 25% yearly growth, a passionate team of 10, and a mission-driven journey of business success and impact. (Episode 722 - Justin Snyder)

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?

Justin Snyder said that the hardest thing in growing a small business is knowing what to do next. He explained that making the right decision at the right time is critical, because the wrong move can set the business back. Over 20 years of experience taught him to step back, look at things from a bird’s-eye view, and carefully decide the next logical step for growth.

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?

Justin Snyder shared that his favorite business book is “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara, which he loved because it highlights the power of going to extremes to please and wow customers. He also mentioned another impactful read from his younger years, “What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School” by Mark H. McCormack, which had a profound influence on his business mindset.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?

Justin Snyder recommends the Founders Podcast for its inspiring stories of entrepreneurs across history that remain highly relevant today. He highlights how hearing about their obsession with being exceptional motivates him to push boundaries. Justin also values business and marketing books, such as Unreasonable Hospitality and What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School. For daily learning, he listens to hours of podcasts and reads articles to sharpen his skills. He believes that continuous exposure to these resources fuels innovation and helps small business owners grow with focus and resilience.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?

Justin Snyder recommends keeping things simple and focusing on tools that truly move the needle for small business growth. For him, the most valuable “resource” has been a lean mindset – taking consistent daily action to grow, maintaining operational control, and prioritizing product quality over flashy systems. He stresses that even without outside funding or expensive software, small businesses can thrive by using practical tools like integrated order management systems, building customer trust through branding, and always focusing on sales and marketing as the core drivers of growth.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?

Justin Snyder said that if he could give himself advice on day one of starting his business, it would be to use time wisely. In the early days, he often spent hours on small website tweaks or tasks that didn’t materially impact growth, simply because he thought he had to work nine-to-five like a regular job. Looking back, he wishes he had focused more on activities that truly moved the business forward, like reaching new customers and driving sales. His advice is to always prioritize the tasks that create real growth, rather than getting lost in busy work.