Three years ago from today, Katie and I sat down and created the company values that would shape the future of EPIC Provisions. We intentionally formed these values before we had developed products, a brand, or hired any employees. At this critical point in time our dream to change the food system was merely a vision and we sat in front of a blank canvas on which we could project ourselves. The final product was the creation of 8 values which serve as a moral compass and has helped guide each and every business decision we have made.
The walls of our Austin, TX Headquarters and Warehouse proudly display a poster that serves as a daily reminder of our roots and the original vision casted for the company. These values are so important to us that each and everyone of our new employees is walked through them within the first hour of joining our wolf pack. All of our employees are asked to take these values to heart and memorize them. It's not uncommon for someone to be quizzed by Katie and I to recite these values and the punishment of not knowing can result in push-ups or burpees.
On the 3 year anniversary of founding our sacred company values, we wanted to share them with our beloved customers. These are the values that will ALWAYS guide EPIC and are deeply encoded in our genetics. Much like the blood that runs through our body, these core values are critical for our business and will always be upheld.
1) FEED OTHERS AS YOU WISH TO BE FED
We strive to apply the highest standards of excellence into our every day operations, production methods, personal interactions, and decision making processes. EPIC is more than a conveniently packaged animal based product; it is an experience founded upon “feeding” others with respect, quality, and abiding by the highest ethical standards.
2) FOOD RULES
EPIC foods are inspired by the simple yet highly powerful diets of our ancestors. We specialize in conveniently packaged, nutrient dense animal protein snacks that taste EPIC. We stand behind the ingredients in our products and embrace the complex relationship between food and health. As we expand our product lines, EPIC will continue to creatively drive innovation and stand out as a category expanding leader while staying true to our core.
3) EPIC LANDS
EPIC is dedicated to healing the land and supporting ranchers committed to practicing holistic management practices throughout the globe. We support ranchers who pasture raise their animals because we believe that properly managed livestock can produce a net positive benefit to the environment. EPIC will ALWAYS strive to source 100% grass fed animals in our products.
4) DO MORE WITH LESS
Simplicity drives the innovation of our products, production methods, marketing strategy, sales and operations. We strive to be resourceful on both a small and large scale in order to grow while respecting the realities of a small business. We know we are successful when outsiders perceive EPIC as a competitor to large multinational brands like KIND, Clif, and Larabar. In reality, we are an energetic small business operating with maximum creativity, efficiency, and fun.
5) HONOR NATURE
As EPIC continues to grow, we acknowledge the realities of increased consumption and inevitable waste. To our best ability we will work to discover opportunities that limit our environmental footprint and strive to creating a positive return for our earth. Our decisions will lead EPIC to the top of environmental oriented industry and become a trusted source for ecologically minded consumers.
6) WE ARE AN ELITE WOLF PACK
We are committed to having a great work environment that develops, retains and attracts only the finest people ever born. Our pack believes in success and we operate with cohesive teamwork, trust, and sacrifice. We are passionate about our work and compassionate to our pack.
7) INITIATE INITIATIVE
The EPIC Tribe shows inherent initiative: Go the extra ultra- marathon, do things prior to being asked, read our minds as well as your coworkers’ minds, and make decisions independently that will benefit the wolf pack as a whole. You will be rewarded in both the current life and the after life... We promise.
8) WE ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS
We love winning at work, on the field, and at life. Our competitive spirit fuels the flames of our operational excellence, customer experience, and market presence. Thanks to our finely tuned moral compass, we play fair and honest in our quest for victory. It is with the utmost valor that we bring honor upon the EPIC Nation by competing with only the finest sportsmanship. You are a champion, so act like one.
9) WILD AND FREE... BABY (added in February of 2015)
Do the things that make you feel most alive. Never stop exploring, learning, and loving with all the passion your heart has to offer.