When someone tells me they’re going all in, I listen. That’s exactly what Tommy Walsh, Founder & Owner of Shroom Bar, did when he launched Shroom Bar, a protein-packed, mushroom-fueled bar designed for focus, energy, and endurance.

In this episode, Tommy shares his founder journey, from mixing mushroom powder in his drinks to building a functional bar brand targeting the MMA world (and beyond).

We explore what it really takes to bring a product from kitchen to shelf: sourcing ingredients, scaling manufacturing, bootstrapping marketing, and staying committed through long product cycles.

Tommy’s not just building a brand—he’s cultivating a lifestyle for everyday fighters, athletes, and high-performers looking for clean, daily fuel.

Here are a few highlights from our conversation:

* Why mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps aren’t just trendy, they’re powerful tools for performance and recovery

* How targeting the MMA community gave the brand a strong identity and early traction

* The cash flow vs. economies-of-scale challenge every CPG founder faces

* Why going “mile deep, inch wide” is the smartest early strategy for niche brands

* Lessons on going DTC-first, building social as an asset, and staying laser-focused on the long game

Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the full episode and hear what it really takes to go all in and build a functional food brand with purpose, grit, and hustle.

For more on Shroom Bar, visit: https://eatshroombar.com/

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Today’s Sponsors:

Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/

Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more.

Saral - The Influencer OS: https://www.getsaral.com/demo

SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Request a live demo today. Let the SARAL team know you're a The Story of a Brand Show podcast listener to get an extended free trial! Visit the link above.

Shroom Bar - The Bar Built for Fighters and Focus

The Story of a Brand Show

Shroom Bar - The Bar Built for Fighters and Focus