Eric Hill and his family moved to Bunche Manor when he was a toddler. After graduating from college, Eric moved to California to achieve his career goals but always knew that he would one day return to where he grew up, now known as West Lakes. In 2013, ready for retirement, he returned to West Lakes!
Eric is the owner of West Lake Gourmet Kettle Corn Company. He says that the satisfaction of having equity in something he founded was the motivation behind opening the business. When looking for a product that he could sell, Eric chose kettle corn because it is loved by everyone regardless of race, age, or economic background. “Kettle corns has no discrimination," says Hill. “My customers come from all different backgrounds, and they are all engaging.” While his primary customers are children, adults love the nostalgia of kettle corn. Seeing the smiles on the faces of his customers as they taste the product is one of the things that he loves most about the business. “With the pandemic, you can't touch people but, through my product and speaking with them, it is like touching their hearts!”
Available in a multitude of varieties, Eric sells more than just the kettle corn flavor. Caramel kettle corn and Cheddar popcorn are just a few fan favorites. Customers can find West Lakes Gourmet Kettle Corn Company at the local Farmer's Market at the Smith Center, other pop-up events, or they can order the product for events!
Fundraisers, sporting events, movie nights, and birthday parties are just a few of the occasions that you might find the yummy popcorn! Hill wants to take 6% of his profits to create a food pantry in the future. He also owns Lady T's Lemonade and plans to set up a popcorn and lemonade day for the children in West Lakes, as a way to give back to his smallest customers!
As a pop-up business owner, Hill measures his company's success based on profit, foot traffic during events, and customer feedback. To him, it is important to take customer feedback to improve the product. With that mindset of always striving to make his product better, Eric offers excellent advice for future entrepreneurs.
1.) Pick a business idea that has a significant market opportunity.
2.) Think of a product or idea that will give you a significant return.
3.) Raise capital and monitor your finances.
4.) Research your competition.
5.) Talk to other entrepreneurs and get feedback.
6.) Develop a good elevator speech.
7.) Never stop networking
You can find Eric Hill's business on Facebook and Instagram by searching for West Lake Gourmet Kettle Corn Company or visit him at The Market at the Smith Center.