Foodpreneur

Foodpreneur:

Gary Shinner

About the Foodpreneur: 

Grew up in Chicago, went to Manchester College, worked in investment banking before co-founding Mighty Leaf Tea with my wife Jill Portman.  We sold our tea products in a store before beginning our wholesale distribution business.

I'm into fitness, lifestyle, film, books, and of course my family.

About the Mighty Leaf Tea Biz: 

Mighty Leaf Tea creates and sells tea products to stores and other companies. Our hallmark is our redefinition of the tea experience  as being a sensory excursion at every touch point...a lifestyle experience.  Mighty Leaf Tea is sold at upscale restaurants, hotels and available at quality grocery stores.

Founded: 

 March 1996

Number of Employees: 

60

Clients: 

Whole Foods, Nordstroms, Cost Plus, Ritz Carlton 

Marketing Strategies: 

Sampling and events

Fun Food Story: 

A publication referred to the Mighty Leaf silken tea pouch experience "Like sleeping in the nude."

Gary knew Mighty Leaf Tea was a hit when: 

NY Times article quoted a senior Lipton tea executive saying "although an improvement, Lipton's new entry level premium tea line is still a far cry from the quality of Mighty Leaf Tea".

In the News: 

NY Times, CNBC, CNN, Cooks Illustrated, Inc., NY Magazine, US News, Food and Wine and others...

Why is Gary in the Food Business? 

I'm a sensory guy that's infused with passion.

Words from the Wise (what you don't like about the biz):

Can't think of anything at the moment...I'll ponder over a cup of Mighty Leaf Tea

A Final Thought from Gary: 

Cheers!

Contacting Mighty Leaf Tea: 

Mighty Leaf Tea
136 Mitchell Blvd
San Rafael, CA  94903
(415) 491-2650
Website:  Mighty Leaf Tea