In 2008, at the age of 15, Shaker Heights, Ohio native, Ethan Holmes launched Holmes Made Foods, LLC by using his grandfather’s homemade applesauce recipe, and relying on his ambitious dreams of entrepreneurial success. From humble origins in his family’s kitchen – acquiring raw materials as Christmas gifts during his childhood – Holmes built his brand of all-natural applesauce through a combination of sweat equity and persistence.
Over the past decade, Holmes has diligently grown his operations and distribution by leveraging his community network, working with apple farmers, pitching his product at every opportunity, and heeding the advice of business mentors. Along the way, Holmes and his company have won a number of entrepreneur pitch competitions, earning capital infusions to fuel business growth, including an investment from The Cleveland Foundation, and being chosen for The Chobani Incubator, SKU Coca-Cola Accelerator, and Next-Gen Apple Fellowship.
Not only is Mr. Holmes committed to providing an all-natural, farm-fresh recipe for consumers, but Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce is built upon strong core principles that foster growth, value, and opportunity for the community.
Working in conjunction with the applesauce business, the Holmes Entrepreneur Initiative was founded with the purpose of teaching entrepreneurship to students in underserved communities through the production and selling of applesauce. Since 2015, over 5,000 students have participated in and have been impacted by its programming. Today, Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce has its vision set on both national and international markets for its products, and continues to develop its entrepreneurial programs that expose business opportunities for students in the community.
To learn more about Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce, visit holmesmouthwatering.com.
