We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rick DeSimone. Check out our conversation below.
Rick, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
It’s nothing like that viral video with the ice water face bath and the banana and the diving and all that. I usually drink coffee and play Wordle, Sudoku, and Duolingo until it feels like my brain is warmed up, then I work out at my building’s fitness center.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Rick DeSimone, and I started Quarantine Project in 2020 as, you guessed it, a quarantine project. I stumbled across a hot sauce making kit while looking for snacks, and that launched the whole thing! We make simple, versatile, savory hot sauces designed for the home chef, not the chile head. All of our sauces are sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan, and low sodium. But packed with flavor! And, for every bottle we sell, we donate $0.25 to local non-profits.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
My need for validation, 100%. I grew up with two sisters and a mom, who were very “involved” in my personal development. They all had a vested interest in turning me into their version of “a good man”, and that led me to be very self-conscious and scared to step on anyone’s toes. As a result, I learned how to be amicable, gentle and go along with the crowd so I would be accepted. As I’ve grown, it’s been hard for me to set boundaries and decide my own path, but growing this company has gone a long way towards that. I’ve learned that I can assert myself and chart my own path without hurting others, and that exercising my will can actually help and inspire others.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
That even in failure, I have value. That exploration and taking risks is scary and makes you feel vulnerable, but to act in spite of that fear and vulnerability, especially after a series of failures, is where all the strength, grace, and beauty is found. That to share our failures and insecurities with our friends is as important in building connection and camaraderie as sharing the successes and strengths.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Supporting local businesses and helping facilitate those connections and relationships is how our country can solve a lot of problems. Gigantic, publicly traded companies strip value from employees, customers, and suppliers and deliver it to shareholders, who don’t contribute much to the success of the business. A lot of our troubles are rooted in that. I believe that value should be returned to the employees, customers and community who make the company successful.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I truly respected other people’s sense of self and that I worked hard to make everyone feel included, seen, and valued.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.quarantineprojectsauce.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quarantineprojectsauce
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-qp-sauce/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quarantineprojectsauce
