What does it take to turn a backyard business into a nationwide brand? How do you scale profitably while staying true to your mission? And what are the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when growing their companies?
This week on The Profit Answer Man, we dive deep with Matt McLean, founder and CEO of Uncle Matt’s Organic, America’s top-selling organic orange juice brand. With distribution in 20,000+ stores nationwide, including Walmart, Whole Foods, and Kroger, Matt has mastered the art of scaling a business while staying profitable.
But it wasn’t always easy. Matt’s journey is one of resilience, adapting to economic downturns, market competition, and supply chain disruptions while keeping his company thriving. If you’re an entrepreneur looking for real-world lessons on business growth, financial discipline, and staying ahead in a competitive market, this episode is for you.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- How Matt McLean grew Uncle Matt’s Organic from 3 acres to a national brand.
- The profit-first strategies he uses to maintain financial stability.
- The #1 mistake most businesses make when trying to scale.
- Why competition can destroy your margins—and how to fight back.
- How to stand out in an overcrowded industry and build a loyal customer base.
Key Takeaways:
- Why Every Business Needs a “Day One” Mentality. Even after 25 years in business, Matt still thinks of Uncle Matt’s Organic as a startup. He believes that success comes from constantly innovating, staying lean, and never becoming complacent—a mindset Amazon’s Jeff Bezos also champions.
- The Hardest Part About Scaling? Profitability. Most entrepreneurs believe that more revenue = more profit. WRONG!. As Matt explains, when you create a highly profitable niche, competitors swarm in, driving down margins.
- The Biggest Mistake That Kills Businesses. Matt shares how many businesses fail because they don’t plan for market fluctuations. After surviving industry downturns and major economic shifts, his advice is clear: “Always have a financial cushion. If you don’t manage your cash flow, you won’t survive long enough to see the next big opportunity.
- The Secret to Standing Out in an Overcrowded Market. Organic food brands are everywhere. So how did Uncle Matt’s Organic dominate? Matt attributes their success to: Brand authenticity- Their commitment to real organic farming builds trust. Consistent quality- Cutting corners kills brands. Consistency wins, and Customer education- They don’t just sell juice; they educate consumers on health benefits.
- Want to Grow Faster? Master These Profit First Principles. Matt credits financial discipline as the key to staying profitable.
About Matt McLean:
Matt McLean is a pioneer in the organic food industry, an entrepreneur, and an advocate for sustainable farming. A 7th-generation Floridian, his citrus-growing heritage inspired him to launch Uncle Matt’s Organic in 1999—before the USDA even had an organic certification.
Today, Uncle Matt’s Organic is the #1 selling organic orange juice brand in America, with products available in over 20,000 stores nationwide. Matt is passionate about organic farming, sustainability, and helping other entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of growing a business profitably.
Conclusion:
Matt McLean’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, smart growth, and financial discipline. If you’re looking to scale your business without losing sight of your bottom line, his Profit First approach is a game-changer.
Links:
Website: Uncle Matt’s Organic – Organic Juices and Beverages | Love at First Sip
Media Kit: Matt McLean – Kitcaster
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/#
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unclematts
Twitter: www.twitter.com/unclematts
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman
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Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast
Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.
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