Recent Positively West Virginia guest, Brody Prudnick, decided that losing his father meant it was time to carry on the family legacy with Ray’s Rub. This healthy, fresh blend of herbs and spices is now making its way to a global market through Amazon.
When Brody graduated college, he wasn’t quite sure where he was headed. He spent some time working in alcohol distribution and advertising but didn’t feel like he had quite found his calling. However, in 2019, the loss of his father sparked the calling to carry on the family legacy with their signature blend of herbs and spices.
The nostalgic connection with this brand goes back to Brody’s childhood. He said, “Growing up, my brother and I would tag along with my dad on his cooking excursions.” He reminisces on parties and gatherings revolved around hours of laborious cooking in the front yard.
Aside from his familial connection to the brand, Brody simply believes in his product. He boasts that Ray’s Rub is a blend of 21 herbs and spices that are clean, GMO-free, and absolutely delicious on anything from vegetables and meats to tofu. Brody said, “I want it to feel like a family brand; that’s what it is.”
Since putting the product on Amazon, Brody says that sales have quadrupled. While he cares about West Virginia and still sells locally, he is spending some time getting Ray’s Rub into every household all across the US and the globe.
The success of this brand is largely due to word of mouth and his father’s excellent reputation in the kitchen. However, now the focus is shifting to online sales and advertising through marketers and influencers. This has lead to some challenges and some defeats but it is ultimately working to keep the brand growing. Right now, Brody is a single-man operation with the help of some independent contractors but hopes to grow enough to hire some help.
As the brand continues to flourish, Brody constantly thinks of the man who started it all, his father. “I like to talk about how great of a man he was all the time. I wouldn’t be doing this if it weren’t for him”
You can listen to Brody’s full podcast here: https://positivelywv.com/podcast/episode-173-brody-prudnick-rays-seasonings/
PWV QUICK BITS | BRODY PRUDNICK
- RECOMMENDED RESOURCE: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
- PIECE OF ADVICE: “Take that first step. Stop being afraid; just start somewhere,” advised Brody.