For Olivia Weale ’19, it all started with a bite of a sourdough English muffin unlike anything she’d ever tasted. That simple moment sparked a family experiment in the kitchen–one that grew into Dam Good English Muffins, a fast-growing specialty food company rooted in transparency, quality, and social impact.

Weale, who majored in business administration and minored in sociology at UVM, co-founded the company with her parents, both professionally trained chefs. Early batches were gifted to friends and family, whose enthusiasm convinced them they were onto something bigger. Soon, they were baking under a New York State Home Processing License and selling at local farmers markets. Demand quickly grew, and a purchase order from FreshDirect prompted the move into a commercial space in Peekskill, N.Y.

Today, Dam Good English Muffins are available online nationwide, in all Wegmans stores, and in Whole Foods Market locations across New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. The brand name–deliberately spelled without an “n”–honors the family’s roots near the New Croton Dam and reflects their mission to “do Dam Good” through open hiring practices, community engagement, and a commitment to food that nourishes rather than deceives.

Looking back, Weale credits her UVM education for preparing her to step into entrepreneurship. “The Grossman School of Business gave me a strong base of knowledge in areas like marketing, finance, and operations–all of which I draw on daily as a co-founder managing both the manufacturing side of our business and its continued growth,” she says. “The values that UVM instills–around community, sustainability, and thinking critically–continue to influence how I lead, make decisions, and approach growth with intention and purpose.”

Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? Stay grounded in your mission. “It’s easy to get distracted by the noise–what other businesses are doing, industry trends, or the pressure to grow fast–but the real progress comes when you stay focused on your purpose and goals,” Weale says. “Be bold enough to differentiate yourself, and persistent enough to keep going when things get hard–because they will.”

She emphasizes the importance of connecting directly with customers, seeking feedback early, and leveraging networks to refine ideas and expand opportunities. And above all, she urges others to find joy in the process. “Entrepreneurship is full of challenges, but it’s also full of meaning, creativity, and endless opportunity,” she says. “Even on the hardest days, remind yourself why you started, and have fun with it.”

What began as a small family project has become a growing business making its way into homes across the country. For Weale, it’s proof that with focus, persistence, and purpose, even the simplest foods can open big doors.