Veteran-Owned Brands Shine During Holiday Season
As the holiday gifting season approaches, it’s noticeable that veteran-founded brands are becoming increasingly popular, appearing on everything from corporate gift lists to family gatherings.
One standout is Funky Chunky, a gourmet popcorn company born in Minnesota. Known especially for its chocolate-covered caramel corn, it has become a go-to holiday treat for a lot of people, largely attributed to its rich flavor and artisanal production.
The story of Funky Chunky goes back to the 1990s, when what started as a homemade snack transformed into a beloved item at local markets. By the end of 2021, U.S. Army veteran Ryan Kuo, along with a few friends, saw the chance to acquire the company.
Kuo explained that their goal wasn’t to overhaul Funky Chunky but to enhance its operations and grow its national presence while retaining its unique charm.
“The chocolate-covered caramel corn is honestly pretty addictive,” Kuo admitted.
With experience leading major food brands and supporting veteran entrepreneurs nationwide, Kuo has taken pride in establishing a dedicated team focused on staying true to Funky Chunky’s roots while expanding its reach.
He attributes his leadership style to his military background. Kuo, a West Point graduate and Iraq War veteran, shared how his years of service influenced his decision-making, trust-building, and commitment to both his employees and customers.
“My military experience ingrained in me a strong sense of integrity and accountability,” he noted. “These values are reflected in our emphasis on high-quality products and exceptional customer service.” Kuo also highlighted that customer loyalty and satisfaction are crucial for long-term success.
An advocate for veteran entrepreneurs, Kuo frequently mentors through the PenFed Foundation and works with veteran CEOs in various programs. His advice to businesses is straightforward: “Hire more veterans; you definitely won’t regret it.”
This holiday season, as Funky Chunky gains traction, Kuo finds it popular for corporate and host gifts, as well as for family gatherings.
“Funky Chunky Gourmet Popcorn makes for a fantastic holiday gift. It’s indulgent and shareable yet has that personal touch,” he stated. “We’ve heard from customers who ventured elsewhere for a gift and then returned to Funky Chunky out of disappointment.”
This year’s holiday bundles start at $25, allowing gift-givers to offer various flavors. Funky Chunky features classics like Sea Salt Caramel, along with options such as Peanut Butter Cups and seasonal varieties like Birthday Cake and Pumpkin Spice.
“Once you give Funky Chunky, you’ll find it hard to give anything else,” Kuo remarked.
The company takes pride in being veteran-owned and made in the USA, also giving back to the military community. Shoppers can explore more at funkychunky.com, where military personnel receive a 25% discount.
Funky Chunky products are also available in retail stores across the country.
