Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

For This Hot Sauce Entrepreneur, Founding a Company Was 'Plan C' Inspired by her military mom, Sonoma Hot Sauce's Deb Rock entered entrepreneurship after plans A and B fell through.

By Alice

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

As a Latina who grew up in a strict military family and as the descendent of some of the first Mexican immigrant workers in Washington, Deb Rock knows grit. She's channeled that determination and unwillingness to accept "no" for an answer into Sonoma Hot Sauce, a line of non-GMO hot sauces. Born in a Seattle community garden, Sonoma Hot Sauce is now one of the most sought-after specialty items in a region known for its food and wine.

Check out Rock's pitch deck resource recommendations on Alice.
Alice is a free digital platform that makes smart, instant connections between business owners and the resources they need to accelerate sustainable growth and global impact. Alice is open to all founders and prioritizes access for women and other underrepresented business owners.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

More from Role Breakers

How to Level Up Your Networking Skills and Make the Most of Every Event

How to Redefine the Pitch Competition for Black and Brown Female Founders

How One Founder Breaks Free From Statistics and Labels

After Her Father's Death, This Entrepreneur Built a Billion-Dollar Company on Passionate Purpose

Editor's Pick

Most Popular

See all
Growing a Business

Want to Expand Your Market Overseas? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Global Logistics in 2024

With rising geopolitical tensions and changing market conditions it can be hard for businesses to navigate supply chain logistics even in a post-pandemic world. Here are three tips from the CEO of an international customs brokerage.

By Mike Chisholm
Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

By Eve Gumpel
Business News

Kickstarter Is Opening Up Its Platform to Creators and Making Big Changes to Its Model — Here's What's New

The company noted it is moving beyond traditional crowdfunding and making it easier for businesses to raise more money.

By Sherin Shibu
Business News

Elvis Presley's Granddaughter Fights Graceland Foreclosure, Calls Paperwork 'Forgeries'

The 13.8-acre estate was scheduled to be sold in a public foreclosure auction on Thursday. Presley's granddaughter and heir, Riley Keough, is fighting to save Graceland in court.

By Sherin Shibu
Business Culture

The Psychological Impact of Recognition on Employee Motivation and Engagement — 3 Key Insights for Leaders

By embedding strategic recognition into their core practices, companies can significantly elevate employee motivation, enhance productivity and cultivate a workplace culture that champions engagement and loyalty.

By Mike Szczesny
Business News

Red Lobster Breaks Silence on 'Misunderstood' Bankruptcy Filing: 'Does Not Mean We Are Going Out of Business'

The seafood chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday.

By Emily Rella