For the month of June, we're highlighting a friend of the Chomps' team, Blake Sorenson. Blake is the CEO and founder of Blake's Seed Based, an allergy-friendly brand that makes better-for-you snacks made with seeds (instead of nuts). Last month we worked with Blake's Seed Based on a fun social media collaboration so we knew we had to highlight him this month as a true Chompian when it comes to helping those with food allergies.
To learn more about Blake and his journey to start this incredible brand, you can read more below!
Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.?
I currently live in Chicago and I'm the founder of Blake's Seed Based, which I launched in 2018. We make better-for-you snacks made with seeds that are allergy-friendly. I started the company because I have a nut allergy and I was frustrated with the allergy-friendly snacks in the market. The company originated out of an entrepreneurship class when I was getting my MBA at Indiana University from 2016-2018. A class project turned into a full on business that I decided to pursue. Fast forward to today, our Snack Bars, Crispy Treats and Sunflower Seeds are in retailers like Wegmans, Sprouts, Sam's Club, Kroger, Central Market, Thrive Market and Jewel-Osco. It's been really rewarding to take a concept and bring it to life. I've been super fortunate to have a great team behind me and have such wonderful support from my family and friends growing up. I'm excited to see where the business goes in the future!
What’s your best tip on how to stay positive?
I think an underrated part of staying positive is who you surround yourself with. I think there is a lot of truth to the quote, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with". It's important to be around optimistic people! The other aspect is setting goals and working towards them. I'm always happiest when I'm working towards goals I set.
What’s your workout routine?
Living in Chicago, my workout routine really varies by season. In the spring and summer, I spend a lot of time biking and running on the lakeshore path. In the fall and winter, I'll do more yoga and HIIT workouts. I also really enjoy taking saunas and ice baths. It's a great recovery method and keeps me sane!
How do you consider yourself a “game changer?”
I admire anyone that is passionate about what they do and works towards a worthy cause. Mine just happens to be better-for-you, allergy-friendly snacks since it's something that I'm personally affected by. Life is too short to not go after your goals and work on projects that can inspire others.
What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)?
I'm big on making a daily checklist everyday. I usually make it before I go to bed so I know exactly what I have to accomplish the next day. I have everything I need to get done on the checklist that includes my schedule and all of my work and personal tasks. I also use this checklist to schedule workouts and anything else I want to get done. When I write everything down I feel a lot better. Then I just have to execute the plan each day.
What is your favorite Chomps product?
How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle?
Chomps offers some of the cleanest protein options on the market. Their products are healthy, they taste great and they make me feel good afterwards. Chomps products are a key part of my diet and lifestyle!
