Backstory

On January 13, 2026, life threw me a curveball when my employer decided to give me two weeks notice of cutbacks that would ultimately eliminate my job.

It was two weeks after Christmas and six months into a new move, in a new town, and the thought of starting over in corporate America again made me want to vomit.

So I woke up on February 1st and decided I would devote my 40+ hours a week into taking this side hustle and turning it into something real. I drove around this town giving away free cookie samples to shops, stores, restaurants, and anyone else I could think of. It was, and still is, scary, but it’s become less and less by the day. 

Fast forward, Cherry Grove Cookie Co is in a local coffee shop and beachside cafe every morning. We’ve been delivering cookies all around the Grand Strand and shipping around the country. We’re currently building a trailer so we can go mobile and we’ve even been featured on the Greg Rowles Show, which is insane to think about! 

Yesterday, our second week at the North Myrtle Beach Farmer’s Market, my daughter and I sold out of 150 cookies in 90 minutes, with a line formed up wanting more. 

Has this replaced my entire salary yet? Nope. Will it? Yup. 

I’m not saying this to brag. I’m saying this for anyone who is going through something. Anyone looking for a change. Anyone that hasn’t followed a passion in their lives because they’ve been scared. 

Surround yourself with people that lift you up and do the same for them. My crew of friends has continued to show who they are every day, and my little family has done the same. Look to God, it’s a lot easier when you do. 

I’m not looking for millions, just a happy, peaceful life because you never know when this one ends. 

You’re not too young. You’re never too old. You’re never out of the fight unless you quit… and to quote a phrase from my Iowa roots - “If you build it, they will come”.

-Jon ✌️