We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rick DeMattos. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Rick, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Well yes, I am proud to say that my Bulletproof Chipotle Sauce won first place in the Mild Dalsa category at the North Carolina Hot Sauce Festival in 2024. It made me so proud I developed a hot version called Chipotle Fire, I have entered both into the 2025 competition, I will find out the results the second weekend of September so stay tuned!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I was born in 1963 to parents of Portuguese and English ancestry, my love for food and cooking began at a young age. When I was old enough to eat solid food, I ate what my parents ate -not a kids plate. I was exposed to a variety of flavors and dishes that broadened my palate. I watched my mother in the kitchen, eager to learn how to cook the dishes from my childhood when I started cooking for myself.
The COVID-19 pandemic took my job as a recruiter, but I found solace in the kitchen. After a few weeks of being home bound, I made a batch of the marinara sauce, a recipe I’ve been making for 20 years. The jars sold out quickly, people started asking for more flavors, and before I knew it Bulletproof Sauces was born.
We try to adhere to the rules of being a Green Company by minimizing our carbon footprint, sourcing products locally, recycling, and minimizing waste.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
My family moved to England for a couple of years in my adolescence. Living outside of London, my school was filled with kids of different nationalities. Hanging out with these kids after school and going to their homes for snacks or playtime, gave me an early look at different cultures. The experience stuck with me and undoubtedly as my cooking experience sharpened, it made me comfortable making dishes from around the world.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are the captain of your own ship, don’t fear the storm as it will pass in time. Hold true to your destination!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
It may make some people laugh or even shake their heads, but I do not think we’re alone in the universe. I think about 50% of the world’s population will agree with me though
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I do it every day, every batch of sauce, every jar I fill, every person I speak to about the product, and every grocery manager I get the opportunity to talk to. It’s important, I feel, to create your own fire. If people feel your passion they will understand what a quality product you are creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https:://Bulletproof-Sauces.com
- Instagram: https:://instagram.com/Bulletproof_Sauces
- Facebook: Https:://facebook.com/BulletproofSauces
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@BulletproofSauces
