Business: Lagrano
Address: Baked at Mulberries Cake Shop, 2027 E. Colfax Ave.
Founded: 2013
Contact: 720-309-1828,
Employees: 1
Interview with Sam Blumenthal, owner
How did you get involved in this business?
One of my first thoughts upon graduating CU Denver with a BA in psychology was “Yes! I finally have enough time to start a business!” I hoped my mom would quit her job and open a restaurant with me, but she has almost zero interest. Selling one of her creations seemed to be the next best thing. Launching a healthy company was important. My sisters and I used to beg my mom to make her orange coconut granola. I have to give a huge thanks to Mulberries Cake Shop for supporting me — I worked for them in high school and they have been instrumental in the growth of Lagrano. Rocky Mountain Micro Finance Institute also deserves credit. I was accepted into their Business Launch Boot Camp and was introduced to a vast network of professionals and entrepreneurs that helped me launch my business.
What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
Lagrano is handcrafted in Denver using a family recipe, unique flavor combinations and clean, simple and premium ingredients. So far, we have orange coconut, maple cinnamon and maple bacon, made with real bacon bits. All three are gluten-free, made with no added sugar. The products are unique and so is the business model. Rather than waiting until we’ve made it big to give back to the community, we’ve been giving back from day one. So far, we’ve supported the Colorado Symphony, the Cancer League of Colorado and our launch party is benefiting the local nonprofit cityWILD. Lagrano is also a Denver Public Schools-approved fundraising vendor.
What do you like best about your line of work?
I love seeing people get excited about a healthy product. Being able to offer something nutritious that tastes amazing is a lot of fun. Being my own boss is another major perk.
What is your business’ biggest challenge?
Being the only employee has definitely presented some challenges. I’ve been approached by investors who would allow me to hire help but am holding off as long as possible to see if I can make it without.
Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
Lagrano is an anagram of granola. I started the business under a name that I later found out was taken. In one of the classes at the Rocky Mountain Micro Finance’s Business Launch Boot Camp, a presenter told us that business names that are easiest to protect are made-up words. I immediately wrote down granola and rearranged the letters in about 80 different ways — Lagrano was the one that sounded the best.
