Four-year anniversary gives Doorganics something to celebrate

Business is never easy, especially for startups. So there was a lot to celebrate at a Wlicox Park "birthday party" when Doorganics recently hit its four-year mark.

Mike Hughes, founder of Doorganics, took the time to outline several of the company's milestones since launching in 2012. "We have now have 10 employees, two of which are new, full-time jobs in the last six months," he says. "We've also been able to move all our part-time employees to more hours, almost 30 plus hours per week."  

Hughes says that new products, services and technology are driving growth: "When we introduced our online ordering software in 2013, it changed the game." He says they went from about 70 deliveries per week to over 500 deliveries per week (as of April 2015).

He points to new product lines, including deli items such as popular organic salads, and says he is getting ready to test meal kits, which include a kebob set featuring prepped, locally sourced meats, veggies and skewers, which then can be assembled quickly for a grill out.   

With the growth, Doorganics has never lost sight on its mission of making fresh, local and organic foods accessible while supporting the local producers. Hughes says many small farms are growing along side Doorganics such as Lettuce Boy Farm, Jacob's Acres and In Harmony Farm.

What's next for Doorganics will most likely include a new building. "We want to stay in the city of Grand Rapids and be part of the momentum and stay true to our roots but our current building can't hold us," he says. Hughes says his team is actively looking for a new site and should have an announcement in the next six months.

Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Job News Editor