Hidden Gems: Meet Alex Johnson of Shredder Sauce

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Johnson.

Hi Alex, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
I first started making hot sauce after I got my first Carolina Reaper plant, I had no clue as to how much it would produce. I had a freezer full of peppers and didn’t know what to do with them, so I started making hot sauce. It has been a passion ever since then to create hot sauces that provided plenty of heat without compromising on flavor. The name of the business (Shredder Sauce) came from the fact that I play the guitar and that the original hot sauce (Six String Sting) provides “A mouth-shredding experience!” As of today, my hot sauce can be found in 21 stores in 3 different states (NC, FL, CO) I have plans to increase my product line to include hot sauces such as mild, sweet, and spicy. 

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?
There have been many struggles through getting my business off the ground and growing it, from finding financing to fighting a chronic illness. Finding new stores that are willing to take a risk on a newer business and product has been difficult. 

We’ve been impressed with Shredder Sauce, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Shredder Sauce specializes in quality small-batch hot sauces that provide “A mouth-shredding experience!” Hot sauces created by Shredder Sauce strike a balance between heat and flavor, making it something that can be used every day. There is also no use of capsaicin extract in our products, meaning our hot sauces don’t have a metallic taste. Even if you are not a fan of spicy food, a bottle of Shredder Sauce would make a great gift. 

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My biggest support has come from my family, always helping me with ideas or setting up and running booths at vendor events, they also cheer me on when I think I can’t keep going with my business. My guitar teacher, Justin Forshaw, has also been a big supporter since before I had my hot sauce bottled professionally, especially through his podcast (Digital Resistance podcast) that I now sponsor. The businesses that I have worked with have been helpful in supporting me and giving advice, especially when I was first getting started. This gave me a much-needed confidence boost when it came to looking for wholesale buyers. Other people that have supported have been people I found through networking, such as Christine Walorz. 

Pricing:

• Six String Sting – $13
• T-shirts- $35
• Pepper Seeds- $2-5
• Stickers- $3

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shreddersauce.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreddersauce_llc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Shredder-Sauce-100057361002941/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-johnson-b35261174