Chomps: How We Turned $6,500 Into A Business Bringing In $244 Million A Year

Looking to make a healthier-for-you meat snack, friends Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali together put forth $6,500 to launch their "side hustle" back in 2012. After four years, Trader Joe's began selling their products and sales significantly grew. In 2023, Pete and Rashid's once side-hustle has brought in nearly $250 million in retail sales.
Produced by: Raffi Paul
Senior Managing Producer: Eric M. Clark
Senior Production Manager: Kathryn Mavrikakis
Camera: Clint Boland
Editor: Marisa Forziati
Animator: Gene Kim
Reporter: Morgan Smith
Additional Footage: Chomps, Getty Images
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Chomps: How We Turned $6,500 Into A Business Bringing In $244 Million A Year

[@gabytrumbull7880]

This is amazing. *“How to build wealth”*

[@gabytrumbull7880]

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[@gabytrumbull7880]

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[@gabytrumbull7880]

For more lnfo FinanciaI-PIanner Rebecca Mart-Watson (in fuII).

[@sinanderis]

I've been eating Chomps for the past 4 years. Almost every day. While working at the office, traveling, and after workouts. By far the cleanest, healthiest, and most eco-friendly brand out there. The fact that the story of the founders of the company is this incredible is a huge add-on :)

[@user-bi4tr2lj4m]

You’re gonna get cancer dude

[@fontyfon]

eco friendly??!!! Plastic packaging is for sure eco-friendly...is eating meat eco friendly??? Is Travelling meat from Tasmania eco-friendly....come on...

[@archangel115]

Plastic packaging is a necessary evil in the retail business. Just because a company uses plastic packaging doesn't mean they're not eco friendly. If that were the case you wouldn't eat anything with such an idealistic approach. Go to your pantry and see how many products use plastic.

[@photobia6593]

Give us one replacement for plastic packaging that wouldn't damage the product. ​@@fontyfon

[@Ynntsnny]

Eco friendly meat from acros the globe yup 👏

[@ep411]

Finding a partnership that works is almost as important than the product itself. Good for you guys!

[@views40]

Love this story! Very well told and put together edit here :)

[@K.Khalil]

This was inspirational. Wishing Chomps all the best. If I see it in WholeFoods in UK, I'll definitely grab one. There is a huge growth prospect if this takes off in the Middle East, for that, the meat needs to be Halal. This should definitely be in the pipeline in the near future. Good luck Mr Maldonado and Mr Ali.

[@ardathwojteckitl]

Thanks for the update.

[@ElyseBarton-om1sg]

Yes, the crypto market is really taking off and Bitcoin is in good shape to start trading now🔉✅

[@BobbyTreutel-bw1kp]

Trading in Bitcoin now is the wisest thing to do now especially newbies beginner....

[@ardathwojteckitl]

Te/e gram

[@ardathwojteckitl]

@Rolandostrategy THAT IS HIS USER NAME

[@ardathwojteckitl]

please make sure you write the USER NAME complete and He's verified...

[@mandaalexiou4927]

i hope when they provide us this kind of product i hope they also show how the cow has been raised located taken care of and killed. just spread all the facts that contribute to this taste. i myself neither vegan nor vegetarian. but i think these sorts of info should be entrenched in the documentary. the packaging also you guys should also highlight on this.

[@MrColeBeans]

It’s cool to see a genuine guy running the company I have searched Amazon before looking for healthy snacks and chomps was one of the top rated. CHOMPS is pricey but they are good and if they are healthy it is great because I don’t have to feel guilty eating them.

[@MrColeBeans]

What’s interesting is that the competition was using added sugars when it wasn’t necessary probably partly because it is addicting so they did it for marketing purposes , but now with people looking out for their own health more and more they are losing to a competitor that is just selling pure meat sticks. chomps is able to sell at a higher price because its healthy and in todays market healthy is selling!

[@datownkidd]

Chomps are absolutely terrible. They're the dries beef stick I have ever tried and the taste is dull. It's genuinely like chewing on sand.

[@AVeryNormalGuy]

​@@datownkidd... Where do you think all that flavor youre used to comes from?

[@datownkidd]

@AVeryNormalGuy my point isn't about the flavor jmits about how dry they are. You chew chew chew but it's like chewing cardboard. On top of that they aren't even healthy.

[@chef_vos1997]

@@datownkidd I'm developing an alike product (beef jerky sticks) which will be sold on my etsy store (for now). Sugars aren't an excuse indeed for a bad flavor. My sticks are VERY tasty and we don't add sugar

[@marik1104]

My Costco in Austin always has Chomps and they are my favorite high protein snack!

[@azieltobias]

Success depends on the actions or steps you take to achieve it. Building wealth involves developing good habits like regularly putting money away in intervals for solid investments. Financial management is a crucial topic that most tend to shy away from, and ends up haunting them in the near future.., I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life!!

[@mellon-wrigley3]

Starting early is simply the best way of getting ahead to build wealth , investing remains a priority . I learnt from my last year's experience , I am able to build a suitable life because I invested early ahead this time .

[@sloanmarriott5]

Exactly ! That's my major concern and what lucrative investment can one venture into with the current rise in economic downturn

[@disney-hefner]

In fact, I had no prior experience or understanding when I began investing in 2018, but by the end of 2019, I had made a profit of almost $750k. All I had been doing was going by what my financial advisor had told me. This demonstrates that all you truly need is a professional to assist you; you don't even need to be a great investor or put in a lot of work.

[@lilyhershey1]

​ *@disney-hefner* That does make a lot of sense, unlike us, you seem to have the Market figured out. Who is this consultant?

[@disney-hefner]

Gertrude Margaret Quinto is the licensed advisor I use. Just research the name. You’d find necessary details to work with a correspondence to set up an appointment.

[@steadystackin7250]

I always buy these from costco. I love when businesses are successful that provide good quality products.

[@kevindo3365]

Inspiring for sure

[@mohamedali-fj8xz]

Financial planning is like navigation. If you know where you are and where you want to go, navigation isn't such a great problem. It's when you don't know the two points that it's difficult❤

[@bombasticlove76]

People dont understand that the prices of things are never going back down. This inflation is deeper than we think. Those buying groceries are well aware that the real inflation is much over 10%. The increments dont match our income, yet certain investors still earn over $365,000 in stocks and assets. Wish I could accomplish that.

[@vanillatgif]

Very possible! especially at this moment. Profits can be made in many different ways, but such intricate transactions should only be handled by seasoned market professionals.

[@Faijan-zx5ov]

Some persons think inves'tin is all about buying stocks; I think going into the stock market without a good experience is a big risk, that's why I'm lucky to have seen someone like mr Brian.

[@BraunRob]

Brian demonstrates an excellent understanding of market trends, making well informed decisions that leads to consistent profit

[@RaghuvirMohanta]

I'm surprised that you just mentioned and recommend Mr Brian Nelson. I met him at a conference in 2018 and we have been working together ever since.

[@paul_domici]

Can't wait to try this : )

[@toddp.226]

Inspiring!

[@JohnHausser]

“I don’t always eat meat snacks but when I do I prefer Chomps”

[@cvass9381]

⏸️

[@MrDemillemorris]

@@cvass9381😂😂😂

[@ALgamer47]

I don't always eat a meat snack but when I do I chomps

[@ravd8082]

rashid ali is muslim ? he can eat beef

[@DeepValueInvesting]

Meat is bad for your sexual balance and for controlling your anger

[@petertwining5729]

Another great video CNBC. it’s awesome to see peoples ideas and dreams come true especially starting with such a small outlay but a lot of commitment.

[@kenfaganjr.7357]

Wow, what a great story of the American dream. I can't wait to try this product out. Sending more success and good fortune your way!

[@TheStrategos392]

First heard of Chomps on Thomas Delauer’s KZbin channel. Tried their product and been a fan ever since. Their Venison sticks are the sh#t.

[@BizBob2]

Great motivation for food brands. Chomps are also great!

[@smiteabonez6339]

First time hearing about chomps, now i want some

[@havilahheals]

The turkey is my favorite. Every-time I go into Trader Joe’s, I must grab one.

[@BabyPleaseFM]

Same!

[@TalesOfTrillions]

Cheers to Pete and Rashid for not just riding the trend wave but creating their own with Chomps! 🎉👏

[@Quest4us]

What a fantastic story! I'm a huge fan of Shark Tank, I've seen every single episode, and many of the best presentations I've watched 3 and 4 times. I was imagining you presenting your product in your early years and hearing Kevin O'Leary and Barbara saying how great the product tasted, but their classic response would be the "snack meat market" was not THAT big and besides the "grab n' go" meat market is WAY too crowded, you'll never last." O'Leary would probably have said, "great product, but your current sales are too wimpy, and sorry, Chomp will NEVER be a $20M or $30M company. My advice, take it out behind the barn and shoot it." You guys are smart, best to move on to another product." I LOVE your tenacity, and your unshakable vision to go all the way to Tasmania to find the right meat for your high standards. I look forward to watching your growth and see you reach the billion dollar threshold someday soon.

[@JAYKAY5295]

I LOVE THESE SNACKS!!!!

[@BabyPleaseFM]

I tried the turkey @ Trader Joes out of curiosity. Ended up buying an entire box every time I went after!

[@keving.madison5904]

"I've always had a love for meat sticks." I'm freakin' cryin'...I ran to the comment section to see if I was the only one.

[@josemondragon3450]

Always having a love for meat sticks is wild

[@Nokenify]

I never tried Chomps because I live in Europe but I do love meat snacks.

[@lauren6509]

I saw these at Aldi yesterday. The irony of me watching this video rn. Next time I go I'll definitely add a few to my cart.

[@ae1871]

Great story and great founders

[@stormyuniverse97]

they are so good - and are so much better for you

[@dezinerg]

The only ingredient I don't like is the encapsulated lactic acid. I believe the encapsulation is made of maltodextrin or hydrogenated oil. Besides that, we like the higher quality beef used.

[@ilikelittlejimmys]

Amazing story. Seem like 2 nice dudes.

[@biscaynesupercars]

Woooah chopping them up and putting it on pizza?!?!! I’ve never thought of that but I will be trying it

[@Kasey_888]

Ive been a fan for years and now that I see the founders and their backstory Im an even bigger fan! These have been so clutch in my life especially on my travels!

[@KendallScapes]

Was walking in naples to go eat and looked next door and boom, chomps head quarters!

[@containedhurricane]

All preserved meat have undergone several processes to keep them fresh for one year, which could induce cancer

[@JJs_playground]

Very inspirational story.

[@piyapoltientanyakit628]

I literally just had a Slim Jim and this pops up.

[@christopherarmstrong2710]

“I love chomping on meat sticks,” sounds like a great marketing slogan.

[@BriannaSam1]

I LOOOOVE chomps!! Buy them in bulk at Costco.

[@happyinthehouse9899]

I don’t really eat processed meat no matter what marketing they do. The story is inspiring tho.

[@EcomCarl]

Chomps' strategic pivot to a cleaner, shelf-stable product is a fantastic example of how flexibility and responsiveness to consumer demands drive success in the food industry. This adaptability, combined with a commitment to quality ingredients, clearly sets them apart in a competitive market. 👍

[@DeepValueInvesting]

Greener would be vegan chomps bro

[@LenaMatildaCats]

My kids love chomps!!

[@GenesisOnMoney]

Absolutely inspiring!

[@goon5544]

I buy these at costco because not only are they good, their healthy. Big companies better catch on because consumers like me are putting their foot down on this low quality food.

[@harrybaulsach]

Always had a love for meat sticks... pause 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@igoradamowicz7911]

That push up at 1:45 really isn't personal trainer's like

[@johng8534]

Motivated to start my own food brand after this.

[@camilorios7821]

Best of wishes for your brand bro ;)

[@daysrays3987]

good luck

[@lbslott]

Love hearing this story! Now I have to try it!

[@crumb1591]

Bro reinvented bifi

[@pazzariatv]

I love your brand and purchase the yellow turkey stick in literal droves. Yes. I first saw you at Trader Joe's. Guilty as charged. I would love a salmon and a chicken stick, please. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@rishabhmittal885]

Awesome

[@aapoetik]

6:51 19 girls / 9 guys in that company group shot 🥵

[@letgo9392]

I wonder if it have sodium nitrate?

[@PhucLe-zh4lz]

great❤

[@jarfrobinksss]

How they did it was steal the Slim Jim's idea, and stamp a different marketing campaign on it. Pretty straight forward.

[@may.b.tomorrow]

What does it taste like?

[@UnboxCraftyMagic]

I always buy these at Walmart 😋 it’s worth my health investment compare to other jerky meat snacks ….. I am super picky when it comes for quality snacks 😎. Better to eat quality expensive food rather pay visit to doctor that won’t help you anyway.

[@maxiynacho]

so you really belive this is a healthy snack lol

[@manzoorsvg]

Sir I want dealership in tamilnadu

[@HipHopGalaxyZA]

So fancy biltong

[@bigbillyz]

If they are sourced from Tasmania, sell them in Australia then? Aussie here

[@bjmaston]

They probably aren't actually sourced from Tasmania. To do so would be ridiculous from a price perspective and wholly unnecessary given the vast cattle ranches right there in the USA.

[@somerandomfella]

No preservatives 👍

[@Agentzero200077]

I have a product in mind but i dont how can i hire a food tech to make my product -anyobe here can refer me to ?its a candy

[@_al_c2638]

could you guys also make a vegan one?

[@biscaynesupercars]

I see these at trader joes

[@KPZivot]

Why there is no pork chomps yet

[@mohsinshaikh1890]

at 7.09, he mentions that their business practices are good for animal welfare 😂😂

[@CL-yp1bs]

I guess you have to pay for quality.. even at Costco I cannot afford the price of Chomps...

[@JohnDoe113]

"I've always had a love for meat sticks"🤐🤐🤐

[@Waltaere]

Cnbc 😃

[@lolyschmoney]

too bad they're not in the UK

[@crazykaitlyn]

Uhh I don't think 6500 goes into the fact they had to travel to Australia among other places around the world to find a farm lol

[@eqs2bonmaximuscompanies687]

Thought about that also

[@moebenz4962]

is it hallal

[@user-to2rf1rj5v]

Chomps are infintely better than meat sticks of old, but I hope they go for a cultured non animal meat for a future product.

[@jmydn2]

Jerky pizza >> Jerky Eggs >

[@ShawnLH88]

Never ever mention massive salt content 😂

[@Pinkorchid72]

Salt is fine. If you are keto or carnivore, you need more salt because you aren’t eating the loads of carbs that keep your insulin high and make your body retain Water and electrolytes, including salt.

[@singhmaster4]

What about preservatives? This kind of stuff has way too much salt. Salt fed beef or not. it's all the same junk. Just a marketing gimic with no sugar.

[@NukaEatsPepeni]

@@Pinkorchid72stop giving unhealthy advice to people on the internet

[@Pinkorchid72]

@@NukaEatsPepeni tell that to all the carnivore or keto enthusiasts who have lost 50 to few 100s of lbs on this diet which does not restrict salt…they’ve reversed type 2 diabetes, reversed hypertension, reduced inflammation in their bodies and joints, put Crohn’s disease in remission, put multiple sclerosis in check or in remission, put other autoimmune conditions in remission or in check…many have gotten off all their medications or significantly reduced their medications and doses. You are sadly uninformed about the benefits and the need for salt. There’s a reason the interstitial spaces of our bodies is basically saline in composition. Our blood has to have enough salt to retain blood volume. Our central nervous system nervous system needs salt or you become hyponatremic and become weak with poor mental function and brain swelling and can DIE from not enough salt and too much water intake. Do your research and don’t be a 🐑 sheep just following whatever the misinformed dietitians and medical establishment says.

[@omeizasanni]

ayooooooo!

[@carson4929]

It’s a shame that this product is even needed when you can literally eat fresh. If you compare some of the other jerky brands, then yes, it’s a better alternative. But it’s still not the best option if you put a little more effort in cooking fresh. This is all about convenience and it’s a shame there’s such a big market out there.

[@LabadooOne]

Not everyone has the luxury of time to cook, Carson.

[@carson4929]

@@LabadooOne Please provide an example of what you mean? So you are saying the people who buy this don’t have the luxury of time to cook? So are they eating out 24/7 then? Because this product does not replace your main meals- it’s a snack.

[@tfozo]

The is no side hustle which makes 244million dollars a year, so stop calling it a side hustle.

[@guidedbybreath2702]

They need to diversify their employee pool. Desperately.

[@devanshgarg31]

Meat sticks? Sounds like everything can be a stick nowadays

[@Observer100-cn7gv]

Don't understand how people eat meat or even like that.

[@Kittyfinds]

Shut up Cunty

[@cornerstoresituations6306]

Music is annoying

[@ZakW30]

I'm favoured, $25k every week! I can now give back to the locals in my community and also support God's work and the church. God bless America.

[@DanSawyer184]

I've been investing in Bitcoin by myself. I'm not really happy with what's going on, just few weeks ago I lost about $7,000 in a particular trade. Can you help me out or at least advise me on what to do?

[@ZakW30]

from my personal financial advisor ...

[@jamesliamedward5915]

😱Sounds familiar, I have heard his names on several occasions.. And both his success stories on wall street journey!

[@SuaraCheng]

After i raised upto 125k trading with her, I bought a new house here in the states also paid for my son's surgery (Kelvin) glory to God.

[@DanSawyer184]

Alright thanks for the recommendation but how do I reach her?

[@remip3604]

by far my least favorite meat snack taste wise.. but props to them and their success

[@mauryser3299]

when you sell crap and other buy into it

[@RineKeef]

First 15 seconds "pause".

[@Adrian-lc6jq]

06:52 not much diversity among the employees????

[@MoneyMan28]

Sad killing cows

[@andyanderson8888]

These taste gross

[@clarawakanda]

The incompetence and corruption that runs through this administration in our Government are getting more risky and ridiculous, i feel the sympathy and empathy of the citizens not getting the due help they deserve, thank you citadel Moore; imagine investing $4,000 within 4 days of your investment you're profited with $7,300 wow, thank you Jesus❤

[@LudacrisWilliams]

Same here, with my current portfolio made from my investment with my personal financial advisor I totally agree with you

[@LtMichaelMitchell]

Getting citadel Moore to help me really helped me clear all my debits. I started with what I have left and it's been the best decision I ever made

[@Lukastrump]

This inflation has taught people the importance of multiples income investment helps a lot.

[@SimonBaker-ez9ru]

Exactly but facing this recession without investment is actually risky, salaries are easily spent off

[@MarisKumar]

I'm new at this, please how can I reach her?

[@jroscon3003]

Selling Cancer

[@felixvelo]

Healthy or not, Americans already too many snacks.

[@ninjanerdstudent6937]

I never have eaten it, and I never will eat it. Yuck!

[@DeepValueInvesting]

Meat is horrific for your emotional and sexual balance

[@evccyr]

I will do no push-ups for every like this comment gets. I'm sore from the last time.

[@traceymarshall5886]

Looks disgusting like dog treats. I be sticking to vegan stuff

[@mystrie4663]

Makes money, but seems like a poorly thought out product. Shipping from Tasmania, packaging that can't be recycled, cows produce a ton of methane. Looks like a lack of employee diversity as well (everyone looks similar to the owners).

[@mynameisschezuan]

The co owner is Indian lol. And why can’t he hire who he wants and who fits? You can hire whoever you like for your company.

[@siwach6394]

When you hire based on merit rather than skin color 😁

[@Martin-xv]

Nothing you’ve said makes any sense.

[@Iceyfire12]

A Lack of Diversity??? You dont tell other Minority Races why they only Hire their Own Kind??? There are plenty of Black Businesses that have turned down East Asians, Latinas, Whites for their own but they just had to Create this Interview thing for the diversity clause!

[@somerandomfella]

How's your multi-million dollar business going?