KLS presents "Together Talks" feature #21 with KiZE Concepts

"Together Talks " feature # 21: KiZE Concepts

Some Background on KiZE Concepts

This edition of "Together Talks " campaign KLS had the privilege of interviewing Dillion Schooley , Chief Sales Officer for KiZE Concepts, Inc. KiZE is a holistic health and wellness concept that produces clean, high-quality, and deliciously tasting food bars. KiZE is derived from the Japanese business philosophy Kaizen, meaning "change for the better" or "continuous improvement". They strive for constant improvement, growth, and to help others along the way. Their mission, passion, and purpose are to change lives for the better through food, service, and charity. They have a heart for serving others within the community and integrating second-chance employment within its work force to create a supporting, loving, and structured atmosphere and culture.

The Beginning

The company was started by Jeff Ragan almost 10 years ago in his kitchen. What started out as a passion project for family and friends blossomed into a full-fledged business a decade later. Jeff noticed that the biggest problem is people want to live a better life, but often find a reason, hurdle, or excuse to not to pursue that action. He saw an opportunity to provide workout and nutrition plans for those around him, but he also saw a glaring hole for a healthy, good tasting protein snack. He started playing around with a few different recipes and arrived at their current Peanut Butter flavor that is sold nationwide! Peanut butter, honey, gluten free oats, and whey protein.

The goal from the beginning was simple, a real food product with simple ingredients without sacrificing taste. The focus was on health and wellness. Before he knew it Jeff had quit his full-time job and was about to take a leap of faith pursuing KiZE.

He was prepared to start a business that had one sole purpose...

Love others and help them become their best self.

KiZE Purpose

The company not only creates better products, but they are trying to do their part to create a better world as well. On our call, Dillon told us, "We feel as if we have been blessed and want to build a platform to be able to bless others."

Giving back is something that has been a core mission from the beginning, and not merely monetary donations. Dillon said, "we refer to it as our "Give First" initiative where we are proactively and authentically giving our time, energy, attention, and resources. The way we see it.. Resources + Relationships = Real Life Change!"

Let's run down the contributions that KiZE has made over the last handful of years.

From 2015 - 2020 KiZE would host annual mission trips to Haiti loving and serving Hope House Haiti, an orphanage led by Yvrose and Pierre, and the surrounding school system of 1,000 kids. One thing that stood out to Dillon during their annual visits..."Interacting with our friends in Haiti and seeing their positive attitude, gratefulness, and passion for life puts everything into perspective. It has really provided a mindset of thankfulness and appreciation for what we have and for the gift of life." Pictured below is Jeff and the KiZE team during one of their trips to Haiti.

Due to the pandemic and civil unrest within the Haitian community, they have focused their efforts in making a positive impact within their local community. After purchasing a building several years ago, Jeff Ragan strategically chose the location in which to build, which was right across the street from the Homeless Alliance. This is Oklahoma City's largest day shelter for the homeless.

On the 3rd Saturday of every month, KiZE hoss "Loving Your Neighbors" event where they feed, serve, and love the homeless community. This is an event open to the public and what Dillon refers it to as "...a mini block party where we cookout and even have members of our team that play music to create an uplifting and enjoyable atmosphere."

KiZE takes pride in being integrated within the change and seeing change take place in real time. Another example of this is through their 2nd chance employment efforts, supporting several KiZE team members that have overcome drug addiction, homelessness, imprisonment, etc. Giving them a place and purpose to belong, to be loved, and to grow personally, professionally, physically, spiritually, etc. Visit their site here to learn more about their positive impact, including this short video highlighting some of their "Give First" initiative.

KiZE Vision of Bigger impact

As we wrapped up our talk with Dillon we asked him about where the company is hoping to go in the future. "As a startup with limited funds, our continual focus is developing strategic retail partnerships and continuing to expand our online business."

KiZE can be found in Whole Foods (Southwest Region), Sprouts (OK, MS, KS), The Fresh Market, Central Market, Bristol Farm's Baron's Market, and many other independent retailers. They recently launched in Sam's Club in the 12 Oklahoma locations and look to build their club channel in 2023.

Dillon and the KiZE team have faith and confidence that they will continue to grow, both their in-house KiZE brand along with their contract manufacturing and private label partnerships and capabilities. "The best part is, as we continue to grow our platform, we will have an even bigger impact in changing lives through numerous opportunities and partnerships." At their core, this is who KiZE is.

We asked Dillon if he could pinpoint a favorite moment in his KiZE journey, having joined in the infancy stage. His immediate response was the annual trips to Haiti, and the unique culture that KiZE has built internally. Another significant moment was their first truckload order being picked up. "From starting in an entrepreneurial shared kitchen hand-making 5lb batches, to having our own manufacturing facility without any outside investment, we have learned so much and it's nice to be able to take a step back and realize just how far we've come... but we've got a long way to go."

KiZE has been featured in a few articles as well!

Here in Men's Journal as Jordan Mazur, nutritionist for the San Francisco 49ers, listed their product as a top protein snack!

The OK Gazette wrote about their company and mission.

And their hiring practice of 2nd chance opportunities was highlighted by Journal Record .

In Closing

KLS is grateful to have talked with Dillon to present this week's "Together Talks " campaign of KiZE Concepts . You can buy off their Website .

Also use "Welcome20" coupon for 20% off your first order from their website!!!! :)

You can also find KiZE on Amazon , Faire , and Mable .

Follow them as well to see the growth of the brand and the next way the company helps others. Instagram , Facebook , YouTube , and LinkedIn .

Jeff Ragan, Founder/CEO, sells his company best via their website, "The KiZE difference is rooted in a love for you and others, and we hope you can enjoy our products, purpose, and be a part of our mission to make a real difference. It only continues because of awesome people like yourself!”

An inspirational story and a wonderful company to feature. Thank you KiZE for sharing with KLS for this week's "Together Talks " campaign.