We had the good fortune of connecting with Ben Pilon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ben, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“A healthy man (person) wants a thousand things, a sick man (person) only wants one”. – Confucius

This is a very powerful quote, as it highlights how one’s positive or negative health dictates nearly everything about our lives. Many people are starting to wake up and realize that while we have many conveniences these days, not all of them are making our health, and therefore, our lives better. Specifically, the foods and the types of products we welcome into our homes are quickly becoming prime suspects for the health problems and diseases that are now quite common.

Minimal Market’s goal is to provide an alternative to the highly-processed, synthetic, plastic, and other commercially available items that fill the average American home. In many ways, we seem to have lost sight of the basics and are now dealing with various health-related challenges that didn’t exist at this scale even a few generations ago. Returning to organic, natural, and high quality foods and household products is a logical solution within a system that is failing the average consumer and their family. We are also focused on reducing unnecessary packaging and other waste by allowing customers to refill products and reuse containers to limit the amount of single-use plastic that has become so normalized and equally problematic to our bodies and the environment.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We believe so strongly in our business for a variety of reasons… First and foremost, everyone has basic needs related to food, cleanliness, health, and a happy and thriving home. While elements of shopping at an organic, low-waste grocery store are a bit unique, it is also very central to our existence. Regardless of our differences, this business has to the potential to bring people together as we all share these basic needs and wants for their lives.

Minimal Market is unique because we are giving our customers back some of their freedom to choose better quality options, to make a real impact to the plastic problem, to support the local small businesses that stock our stores, and to save money in the process. When they refill a container, it means they don’t have to buy another one and they don’t have to pay the marketing costs that are getting passed on to them. They’re able to control the amounts they buy and therefore can spend less if they want less of a certain product. There is also a rewarding feeling when they fill containers, try new items, get inspired make new dishes, and start to feel the difference of cleaner eating and living.

Business is hard, especially when you’re starting from zero. It can be tough to survive the early days and it can often take more time than we’d like. We both have business degrees and have 20+ years in sales, marketing, and other business-related roles. However, every situation is different and what works in one situation may not be the correct move in another. Perhaps of equal importance is that we’ve played sports throughout our lives. Both sales and sports quickly teach you perseverance, patience, how to handle failure (and to learn from it/make adjustments), and the mental toughness to handle a variety of challenges.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s so much Colorado has to offer. Of course, a trip into the mountain communities would be near the top of the list. Estes Park, Breckenridge, Golden or many of the other charming and scenic areas never disappoint. Farmer’s markets, festivals, or sporting events are always a good time as well. We like to cook and relax at home too!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God has always provided for us and continues to bless us in ways well beyond what we deserve. My wonderful wife, Randi. Our families and the support of the communities we’re currently serving in Loveland and Frederick.

Website: https://minimalmarket.co

Instagram: https://instagram.com/minimalmarketco

Facebook: https://facebook.com/minimalmarket

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