The founder of Oumph!, Swedish Chef named Anders “The Duck” Linden, was kind enough to let me interview him about his experience as a sustainable entrepreneur. Linden has been a chef since the 1980s and is known for his innovative style of work.
Oumph! is a 100% plant based product that comes in different shapes and consistencies. Oumph! is a great alternative to meat because it is rich in protein and fibers as well as low in calories. It is also a source of folic acid and iron. Oumph! has a maximum GMO value of .1% and to be labeled GMO free the maximum is .9%.
There are many ways to cook and flavor Oumph!. It can be cooked, grilled, or fried depending on individual preference. Linden suggests that you continue to make your favorite recipes, but instead try using a new source of protein that is healthy, easy to cook, and tasty.
Oumph! is not currently available for retail purchase in the U.S. but it was featured at Disneyland’s Food and Wine Festival in 2018 and other holiday festivals in 2019 as well as national restaurant shows across the United States. Oumph! is available for purchase in Europe in 400 Tesco stores, all Whole Foods Markets in the UK and all over the Nordic region in thousands of stores and a variety of restaurants.
Most importantly, Oumph! is unbelievably easy on the planet. At Oumph! they believe in a global perspective and a local presence, driving the development of sustainable food. That is why they named it Oumph! Linden started Oumph! to create an alternative that the world needs. He wanted to create a product that was tasty and chefs would love, without compromising the earth.
Below are the questions and answers from the interview with the founder, Anders Linden.
Q: What is your business? Please describe your mission and vision.
A: We are working towards a plant-based shift in this world. By 2050 the human population will reach 11 billion. If we continue on the same path, we will not have enough animals to support the population. Today, humans consume 70 billion animals every year and that is not sustainable. We would like to change this in a cool but serious way.
Q: How many employees do you currently have?
A: We currently employ six team members.
Q: What motivated you to start a sustainable company?
A: I wanted to show love to the people and our world.
Q: Who were your mentors in the field when you began? Who inspired you?
A: In 1995, I started experimenting in my restaurants with plant-based foods and I was totally alone in this field. I started my first plant-based brand “Go Green” in 2004 and people thought I was crazy. I was my own mentor and I inspired myself to give to the world. Giving is living.
Q: To what do you attribute your success?
A: I wanted and still want to find out where my limits are. That is a key to success for me.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to budding entrepreneurs, what would it be?
A: There are no shortcuts in life. Be ready to work hard. Do not try to make yourself perfect everyday just try to make yourself awesome every day. You need to believe in what you do even if you cry sometimes. Do not be afraid of your mistakes, embrace them.
Q: What is your favorite part of running a sustainable business?
A: To inspire people and myself.
Q: What are the main challenges you’ve faced throughout the endeavor?
A: My doubts, timing to launch products, and my impatience have been main challenges for me.
Q: What business resources are you currently utilizing to facilitate your sustainable entrepreneurship venture?
A: We are utilizing the earth, balanced people, creativity, and capital funding all in sustainable way.
Q: What is your favorite part of running a sustainable business?
A: Interacting with and helping humans.
Q: Who is your main Local/Global competition?
A: I do not have any competition. In the plant-based industry we need to be helpers instead of competitors. We have no time for old thinking and old ways.
Q: What drives your passion?
A: I want to feel alive.
Q: If you could, what advice would you give a younger version of yourself?
A: I could never give any advice to my younger self because then I would never be the same as today. I challenge myself everyday to be a little more awesome than I was yesterday.
For more information on Oumph! check out their website: https://oumph.us
Check out their Facebook page for updates on shows near you: https://www.facebook.com/pg/OumphUSA/posts/
Follow Oumph! on Instagram: @oumphusa
Author: KyleeShipley
Born and raised in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, I am now a Senior at the University of North Carolina Asheville studying Management with a focus in marketing. I am passionate about finding a career in social media marketing where I can increase brand awareness and increase engagement through the content I create.
