Poppin Joes Gourmet Kettle Korn
Exhibitor
About
Poppin Joe's Gourmet Kettle Korn was officially launched in April 2005 with Joe Steffy as the sole proprietor. The creation of Poppin Joe's provided Joe, an individual with Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder, the opportunity to operate and manage his own business. Over the past 17 years, Joe has demonstrated an excellent work ethic and shown others the value of good, hard work. He has inspired other individuals to focus on their strengths to find a career that they love, rather than accept limitations.
Kettle corn, a German way of popping popcorn with sugar, turned out to be Steffy’s path to business success. In 2000, he and his father started popping corn on weekends at grocery stores around Louisburg, Kansas. Within ten years, he was grossing $75,000 annually. “I showed Dad I could stay on task for up to six hours,” Steffy said. “Dad saw that I could learn the repetition of the production process. I could pop, and I could bag—both key parts of popping kettle corn."
Initially, Joe's mother, Janet Steffy, helped him write a business plan, and the Kansas Department for Developmental Disabilities awarded him a grant to purchase new equipment. He received additional support from Social Security. He became the business’ sole proprietor in 2005, and sold his product at festivals, local events, fundraisers, and local retail outlets. He moved into his own apartment in 2008. “I love my freedom — it gives me a great life!” Steffy said. “I am a member in the community that I work in, which gives me a place to belong. I am a contributing citizen and recognized by my business peers and friends. “
In 2020 amidst the Covid crisis, Steffy moved to SE Georgia to live with his sister. With the lack of festivals and outdoor events, he had to re write a new business plan that would reach the general population where they shop. This would mean more wholesale sales to retail outlets, and require a new license, and business operation set up. The past two years Joe has been busy at his production site in SE Georgia. He now offers Kettle Korn in six flavors for both Retail and Wholesale sales. All products are prepackaged in heat sealed bags for an extended shelf life and are shipped anywhere in the world. His Etsy store provides an online shipping option as well.
Due to job opportunities, Steffy's family returned to Iowa in January 2022. Being born and raised in rural Iowa, it has been a feeling of coming home/full circle. Joe's base operation for producing his famous kettle korn is now in Urbandale, Iowa. With the majority of his business history in festivals/markets, Joe is eager for an opportunity to get involved in the downtown Farmer's Market.
Joe offers his fresh popped Kettle Korn in a variety of Gourmet flavors - Original Kettle, Sweet n Cheesy, White Cheddar popcorn, Golden Karmel, Cinnamon, and Double Decker. Joe also launched a Flavor of the Month program in 2022, where each month he features a new limited time only savory flavor for his customers to try.
Joe is excited to be doing business in his home state of Iowa and eager to be a part of the Des Moines community. Thank you for your interest and support – it helps his small business grow!
Programs and Partners
Location
Urbandale, IA
Manager
I am a 36-year-old business owner from Iowa. I have been popping kettle korn since 2000, and love being known as "Poppin Joe". I believe that the biggest disability is low expectations. My parents advocated for me throughout my childhood and knew that I could be successful in life. They always focused on my strengths and abilities and helped me find a way that I could use those strengths to work. My success in life and in business is because of them and their ability to see beyond my disability. (I have Down Syndrome and Autism)
They helped me find a great work fit! I love to be busy and working. Sitting idle is hard for me. I like using my muscles (I am strong) and doing routine things, so labeling bags, popping the corn, mixing the various flavors, bagging the products, stocking inventory and making deliveries to retail outlets are all great tasks that I can do. Every day I get to do a variety of things, and kettle korn is a great family snack that everyone enjoys!
I rely on my family and mentors to help me in my business. Like any business owner, there are some things I don't enjoy or do well, so I have others do those things for me.
My parents, Ray and Janet Steffy, live in rural Iowa on our family farm. They instilled in us all a strong work ethic, and the heart to help others. They are still actively involved in my life and work, and I call them daily. As my parents have aged, my siblings have stepped in their roles to become my support system.
Jen Stratton, my older sister and my brother-in-law, Trevor Stratton are my guardians and hosts. I currently live with them until I am able to have my own place again. Trevor works as a VP of Human Resources, and Jen spent two decades working in long term care before she became my FT caregiver. She coordinates the help and support that I need in my activities of daily living and ensuring I have a good quality of life. She also handles the operation needs and marketing for Poppin Joe's Kettle Korn.
My older brother, Chandler Steffy is the owner of Superstorm Restoration, an award-winning company, in Urbandale. Chandler provides the physical site for my production operation and helps with any maintenance or building/equipment issues that I have. He has also been a financial investor in my business, helping purchase equipment and providing the renovations needed for our operational licensure in Iowa. I love having male role models, so Chandler and Trevor are two of my favorite guys to hang out with. I love being by them each day!
My oldest sister, Dawn Harvey, lives in Tennessee and provides respite support for Jen and Trevor. She travels to hang out with me every few months and always brings Coffee and lots of smiles and laughter. I love spending time with her.
I have been very blessed with a family that loves me and believes in me. They have each made sacrifices to help me have a better life. I am very grateful to them and excited to all be back in Iowa together!!
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