Eddie’s Energy Bars Blog

Here I am, sitting at my desk, the eve of my 20th birthday (well, really twenty minutes before), and I am contemplating the last twenty years of my life.

Turning twenty makes me think of all the things I have accomplished, and all the things I would like to accomplish.  At 20, or nearly one quarter of my life, I have:

• Survived being a pre-mature baby (the first baby, along with my twin sister, that was born in the ICU in Burlington, Vermont).
• I had the greatest kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Wintersteen.  She made us learn the days of the week in French!
• Along with my classmates, I have written an award winning “Kids are Authors” book, Night Time, in 1st grade with Mrs. Dutil, whom I visit frequently when I am back at home.
• I went on a great trip to Boston in 4th grade after raising the money with candy bar sales.
• (I am skipping middle school because I didn’t really like it)
• I explored the world of high school, met many of my favorite teachers, and landed on High Honors almost every semester.
• I started Adams’ Cookie House when I was 15 selling cookies outside Bridge Street Hair.
• I sat in on a committee to form advisories at the high school.
• I started Eddie’s Energy Bars during my sophomore year, and launched into retail stores in April 2006.
• I have been to China, Austria, Germany, France, the Bahamas, Ottawa and Montreal, and many states.

The list could go on, but I need to get to what I want to still accomplish:

• Travel more, really, anywhere in the world.  After sixteen hours on a plane I can take anything.
• Hike anywhere, and possibly some mountain biking.
• Get back onto the slopes after my two year hiatus from skiing.
• Read more to learn more.
• Road trip across the United States.
• Grow Eddie’s Energy Bars to a regional brand after I graduate by executing my very exciting five year plan.
• Develop a deeper product line that helps me better serve my customers (more on this later).
• Make Eddie’s more socially responsible, and a “greener” business.

This list also goes on, but it’s what I can think of right now.  There is so much in life that people don’t get the chance to do because they choose to do other things.  It’s called opportunity cost.  For everything you do, there is something else you could be doing.  After traveling to China for two weeks, I have realized that I need to get out more.

The business is one thing, but my life is another.  I will have to make sacrifices, but traveling, getting outdoors, eating great tasting food, family, friends, ambition, and independence are all of my core values.  It’s time I embrace them and do what I want; what feels good to me.

Part of that is living in Vermont.  I miss it so much when I am here at school.  It’s just different in Vermont.  The people are nicer and more welcoming, the scenery is beautiful, and the small, locally supported communities are something I miss, not to mention real maple syrup, farmer’s markets, creemees, my family, and friends.  I won’t get too into it, but Matt Lauer said it best,

“Vermont is not just a state, it’s a state of mind”.

I am making a birthday resolution to make life an adventure, all day, every day.  Anyone with me?

Michael Adams, Owner
Eddie’s Energy Bars

Last week, I wrote about Wood’s Tea Company going on tour with custom-labeled energy bars. Well, they sold out in only three concerts! That’s incredible! They had no energy bars left to bring on their California tour, but no worries!

Howard, a member of the band, will be back in the beautiful Green Mountains soon to pick some up for all of you WTC fans!

Congrats Woods Tea! I am happy to see the money go to a great cause!

Click here to find out about our custom labeled energy bars.

Michael
Eddie’s Energy Bars

Whew! It’s been a good week since my last post, but school took the steering wheel. It’s great to have this three day weekend though. Any who, I thought I would post an update with a bang. We are launching the 2008 Great Outdoors Challenge.

At Eddie’s Energy Bars, we have a social mission to get people outdoors to explore the trails that are around their house. To encourage this, we have started this program to help our loyal customers get outdoors. Our customer feedback has let us know that our customers are most likely to be found right smack in the middle of the woods cross-country skiing, hiking, adventure racing, or mountain biking. This challenge will run through the 2008 summer. Eddie’s is going to try and organize a couple of hikes with Hikeu Adventure Guides throughout the summer to help you guys out.

So here’s the deal: We want you to fill out a short little form telling us your greatest outdoor adventure and what flavor Eddie’s bar you like. You can even send us a picture of you and your Eddie’s Energy bar at outdoors@eddiesenergy.com.

But wait, there’s more! We don’t want you to go home empty handed. We want to give you a discount to buy more Eddie’s bars and get outdoors more often! When we receive your form and picture*, you will be sent a coupon for 15% off your next order**! I know, crazy! We don’t offer coupons too often, so make sure to take advantage of this one!

Click here to fill out the form for the 2008 Great Outdoors Challenge!

Michael Adams, Owner
Eddie’s Energy Bars

*Coupon will be received after picture is received. If we have permission, we will post your picture, along with your story on our website.
**Your coupon will expire August 31, 2008

Whew! It has been a crazy week here at school, and I have a feeling that it will just keep on continuing. We have had a lot developing over the past couple of weeks, and here is a bit behind one of my favorite things we have been working on at Eddie’s:

In early January, Howard Wooden of the Woods Tea Company, a folk band based in St. Albans, VT, contact us about making Rusty’s Energy Bars. Rusty Jacobs, the founder of the band sadly passed away last year. Howard and his band mates wanted to remember Rusty in a fun way, which is why Howard thought energy bars would be a great idea.

They sent me some artwork, and I threw together an awesome label. They are taking the bars on tour with them throughout California during February. Every penny made will go to Henriette’s Relief Project, which is fantastic.

If you have yet to see Wood’s Tea live, then check out their tour dates if you are out in California. They are incredible! If you’re a Vermont local, there are a couple of tour dates for you too!

Michael
Eddie’s Energy Bars

So, the Patriots lost the Superbowl, but I’m really not that upset. It’s only a game to me. What makes me feel better, though, is the awesome testimonials we received from Mike and Lori at IES Technical Sales.

Here is Mike’s:

“I was sitting at my desk and had a little voice from my stomach saying “feed me.” Lo and behold, I had an Eddie’s Energy Bar in my coat pocket, fresh out of the freezer. Chocolate Chip. Excellent, just like all the others. I gave one to each of my co-workers here at IES when the shipment first came, last month. Carol said “these are AWESOME!” I’m going to buy some more! My wife really likes them too. That’s it. Just wished to pass along the congrats for a very good product. Hope you are doing well, and not suffering from “cook’s elbow” or any other kitchen related maladies as a result of all your nightly labors ;-)”

And Lori’s:

“I received my delivery and am delighted! The bars were every bit as good as those shared by Carol and Mike. It is truly amazing how much is packed into each and every bar. They are not only delicious but filling and good for you too! You’ve got something really wonderful here. Thank you for creating such a great product! I wish you much success.”

So, Lori, Carol, and Mike, I personally welcome you guys to Eddie’s Nation!

Want to feel the same feeling that Mike and Lori felt? Order your Eddie’s Energy Bars now!

Michael, Owner
Eddie’s Energy Bars