Meet Rick DeSimone | Hot Sauce Mogul

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

Hi Rick, what do you attribute your success to?
I’m fortunate to have surrounded myself with creative, supportive people. I am painfully aware of my blind spots and areas of laziness, so I knew that it would be impossible for me to build this company by myself. I’ve required the help of some very talented friends. Dan Steiner, my business partner, is an accountant and fantastic sounding board. Jon Obenchain (Edge Of The Endless Dream Films) shoots and edits our videos. Kyle Bufkin (Buf Illustrated) designs our mascots and logos. The company wouldn’t be where it is without them. We’ve also contracted with some outstanding local businesses who have helped us grow. Colorado Co-Packing in Longmont does our large-scale production. Notion Worx makes all our labels and stickers. Keep Social Media Social audits our online presence and guides our moves. Savory Spice and Select New Mexico provide us with the freshest, most flavorful ingredients.
By far, knowing my limits and finding others who are able to make up for them has been the largest key to our success.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the founder of Quarantine Project Hot Sauce. We have 6 sauces at the moment, and they are made for food. I know that sounds silly to say, but so many sauces out there are too hot, too vinegary, too sweet, or too complex to really be enjoyed on the meals you make. I love to see the creativity of other makers putting things like green apple or coconut milk in their sauces, and they sure taste great on their own, but I don’t see how those flavors lend themselves to a plate of nachos or an omelet. All of our sauces are simple, versatile, and savory. Our newest sauce is a rosemary habanero, and I’m quite proud of it. It’s a very unique combination of flavors that still lends itself to a wide range of meals!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In no particular order: The OG, a great brunch spot in The Rally Hotel at McGregor Square. They have really unique dishes, and they carry our sauces!
Meow Wolf Convergence Station, it’s an overwhelmingly singular experience, and something not to be missed.
An evening game on the rooftop at Coors Field to catch one of our gorgeous sunsets.
A long hike at Staunton Park, specifically the route with 3 different scenic vistas.
A round of disc golf at Beaver Ranch.
And finally, a beer at Chain Reaction Brewing Company.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Haha, I inadvertently answered that as my primary question. I am deeply grateful to those named, and to everyone else who has supported me on this journey, especially those who contributed to our Kickstarter. They believed in what I was doing from the outset, and the company wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for them.

Website: quarantineprojectsauce.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quarantineprojectsauce/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quarantineprojectsauce/