We’re looking forward to introducing you to Richie Lister. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Richie, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’m taking an improv class now. I’ve always wanted to and finally did it. It’s been good for me in several ways. One being that its taken me out of my comfort zone. I’m prone to get way too comfy in my safe little spot in life. So, this was a way for me to, sort of, shove myself into the deep end. I’m a pretty introverted homebody and this has gotten me more comfortable with interacting with new people. And in a fun playful way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Richie Lister and I own a Nashville-based hot sauce business. I started the company in 2018 with my brothers. It’s been cool to watch it grow into a fairly well established hot sauce brand. At least in Nashville. My hot sauce recipes have always involved a nice smoky flavor profile. So, that’s sort of our signature. It started with my love of gardening and growing peppers, then turned into experimenting with hot sauce flavors soon afterwards. I found that you get an incredible amount of flavor by smoking the peppers, so that’s what I’ve stuck with.
So, we have our standard three flavors, but lately I’ve been experimenting with a new one involving smoked apples that I’m very excited about. It’s gonna be called “Ghost Malone”. My brother Jeremy is out touring with Post Malone and I’ve tried to develop a recipe to suit his specific tastes.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Being a dad and experiencing my kids growing towards adulthood has been thoroughly transforming. I think it’s forged me into a more patient, nurturing, and compassionate person. I would even say it has been the most defining part of my life and that I absolutely love being that person.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh, yes. Several times. Before I started this business I had a pattern of quitting when things got challenging. But, when it’s with something you love, something you have ownership in, I’d say you’re more likely to tough it out. That has been the case for me and I’m SO glad that I’ve stuck with it.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I’ve found that ANY belief you hold onto tightly should be the one your most skeptical of. Because if you feel any need to grasp onto it, that’s a sign that it may not be rooted in anything substantial. I’m learning to be a skeptic with anything and everything that comes my way. And it’s not easy. I catch myself believing things just because I want them to be true all the time.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I know there are a few people out there that have become hooked on our sauce. If there’s ever an instance of me questioning whether Blister should stay in business, I think about those poor souls who would never eat tacos or sandwiches with the same irreplaceable culinary experience again. There would be a great void in their existence. And children would weep.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blisterhotsauce.com
- Instagram: @blisterhotsauce
- Facebook: /blisterhotsauce
Image Credits
Danielle Shields
