What if the key to growth isn’t playing it safe – but learning how to manage risk when things start going sideways? That’s been the story for John Trimble, founder and CEO of Hot Crispy Oil. He didn’t set out to start a condiment company. But when the pandemic forced his family’s 44-year-old restaurant to close, John took a homemade chili oil recipe from his kitchen and turned it into a fast growing brand — all without a roadmap, formal training, or ideal timing.

Host Andrea Marquez unpacks what it really takes to scale a business when uncertainty never goes away. You’ll hear how John navigated supply chain chaos, outgrew two facilities, and made the bold decision to buy a building – all while staying scrappy, adaptable, and laser-focused on the bigger picture.

If you’re trying to grow your business but keep getting hit with the unexpected, this episode will show you how to take calculated risks, stay grounded, and keep moving forward even when things don’t go to plan.

Got a bold leap of your own? Share it with us in an Apple Podcasts review, Spotify comment, or email us at thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com — you might hear it in a future episode.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

(01:32) What happens when your family’s 44-year-old restaurant suddenly closes? John shares how the pandemic forced a hard pivot and sparked a new idea.

(04:10) Can a side project from your stovetop really become a national brand? Hear how Hot Crispy Oil started with mason jars on John’s front porch.

(07:11) Why keep manufacturing in-house when outsourcing seems easier? John explains the importance of quality control and adaptability.

(09:38) What makes someone decide to buy a building instead of leasing? Find out how risk, necessity, and a collapsing warehouse shaped this bold move.

(11:41) How do you take a leap when the data doesn’t fully support it? John talks about betting on himself.

(13:13) What does risk look like in the day-to-day of a growing business? From falling pallets to surprise delays, John shares how he stays grounded.

(16:02) How do you handle supply chain chaos and make sure you never run out? John’s strategy for managing vendor relationships and hedging against disruption.

(18:50) What’s your advice for entrepreneurs afraid of scaling? John explains why growth is worth the risk and how to make it manageable.

When Risk Never Ends: How One Founder Learned to Scale and Manage Uncertainty

This Is Small Business