Exploring Life & Business with Oliver Pau of Dojo Fresh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Oliver Pau.

Hi Oliver, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
Our Dojo Fresh story begins when our son was set to start college in Canada during the COVID pandemic. Crossing international borders during the pandemic required a two-week quarantine period, and it was during this time that I found myself reflecting on my career and contemplating change. With 25 years of experience in the environmental industry, I was ready for a new challenge, and the dream of owning my own business had always beckoned. 

As I explored potential opportunities, I was drawn to the food industry—a field that aligned with my passions. I’ve always loved cooking, and recently, I had transitioned to a plant-based diet. However, I was disappointed with the available plant-based options. The lack of variety and the highly processed nature of these products left me wanting more. It was this dissatisfaction that fueled the inception of Dojo Fresh. 

Dojo Fresh was born out of my desire to solve my own culinary frustrations and offer something unique to our community. We developed a plant protein mix that enables users to create their own protein-rich meat alternatives at home. By simply adding water and their favorite seasonings or sauces, customers could craft a range of meatless options, including crumbles, nuggets, patties, and more. Our goal was to make meatless meals easy, healthy, and enjoyable. 

In May 2021, Dojo Fresh made its debut at local farmers’ markets. We wanted to gauge the demand for our innovative product and see if it resonated with the community. The response from customers was positive, giving us the validation we needed to keep growing our venture. Our journey was marked not only by the support of our customers but also by various entrepreneurial organizations and initiatives, including NC IDEA, the Orange County Economic Development Council, the Piedmont Food Processing Center, Launch Chapel Hill, and many more. 

Our family’s story serves as an inspiring example of how challenging situations can be transformed into opportunities for personal growth and community impact. As Dojo Fresh continues to grow, it underscores that pursuing one’s passions and addressing unmet needs can lead to the creation of something truly remarkable. We welcome you to reach out to us, try our plant protein mixes, and let us help you make a great meatless meal. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Transitioning from my environmental background to the food industry was a significant hurdle. I had to dive headfirst into learning every aspect of the business, from product development and food safety to navigating regulations, overseeing production, packaging, marketing, sales, and managing finances. It was a steep learning curve, and at times, it felt like I was in uncharted territory. 

Being a small startup business added another layer of complexity. The journey can be isolating and lonely, with doubts creeping in about whether we were on the right path and if we should persevere. In my mind, I quit every day, but I kept moving forward. 

Amidst these challenges, we found camaraderie and support among fellow small food businesses that we met at local markets and in our shared kitchen space. This network became our small support group, a place to exchange ideas and offer encouragement, knowing that others were going through similar challenges. As we expanded our horizons and tapped into the broader entrepreneurial community, we were astounded by the wealth of support available. We are truly grateful for the solidarity we found among our peers and the community. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Dojo Fresh is a small, family-owned business with a mission to make healthy eating accessible to everyone. Our family discovered the joys of meatless meals, and we are dedicated to helping people incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet without sacrificing taste or convenience. You can feel good about the delicious and nutritious meatless meals made with our plant protein mixes. 

Our shelf-stable plant protein mixes offer a quick and easy way to make a protein-rich meat alternative that suits your tastes. By simply adding water and your favorite seasonings or sauces, you can create meatless crumbles, nuggets, patties, and more. Our plant protein mixes are a unique blend of ingredients that are simple and familiar. There are no additives or preservatives, and all of our ingredients are non-GMO verified. We produce locally at the Piedmont Food Processing Center in Hillsborough, NC. 

Our goal is to help our customers make meatless meals easy, healthy, and enjoyable. We are proud that they trust us to help them make meals for their friends and family. We are most excited when we see the fantastic foods they create with our plant protein mixes. 

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
So many lessons. The COVID crisis sparked the creativity that resulted in us starting Dojo Fresh. It also created a stronger bond within the community, which was critical to our business. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dojofresh.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dojofresh/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dojofresh/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dojo-fresh-llc

Image Credits
Stacey Sprenz