Bobo’s: Beryl Stafford. A Single Mom Turns a Baking Project into a $100M Business - How I Built This with Guy Raz Recap

Podcast: How I Built This with Guy Raz

Published: 2026-03-09

Duration: 59 min

Summary

Beryl Stafford transformed her baking hobby into a thriving business, Bobo's Oat Bars, after her marriage ended and she needed to support her family. Starting with a simple recipe, she leveraged her local community and her baking skills to grow her brand into a $100 million enterprise.

What Happened

In this episode, Guy Raz introduces Beryl Stafford, a single mother who found herself in a challenging situation after her marriage fell apart. With over a decade spent raising her daughters and being out of the workforce, Beryl was faced with the daunting task of re-entering the job market. Instead of seeking traditional employment, she decided to channel her passion for baking into a business venture, creating homemade oat bars made from simple ingredients like fruit and coconut. Her early efforts involved selling these bars to local coffee shops in Boulder, Colorado, a hub for natural food brands.

Beryl's journey was not without its hurdles. Initially, her business grew slowly, and she had to be resourceful, even sharing a kitchen with other food entrepreneurs in the area. However, her determination and ability to tap into Boulder’s vibrant food community played a crucial role in her success. Over the years, Bobo's Oat Bars gained traction, eventually leading to annual sales nearing $100 million. Beryl's story exemplifies how creativity, resilience, and community support can transform a personal challenge into a flourishing business.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

How did Beryl Stafford start Bobo's Oat Bars?

Beryl Stafford started Bobo's Oat Bars out of necessity after her marriage ended. With no recent work experience, she turned to baking, a skill she was familiar with, and began creating homemade oat bars made from simple ingredients. She wrapped them in cellophane and approached local coffee shops in Boulder to sell them, marking the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey.

What challenges did Beryl face in the early stages of her business?

In the early stages, Beryl faced significant challenges, including a lack of knowledge about the food business and the struggle to gain traction for her product. She grew her business slowly and had to share kitchen space and employees with other entrepreneurs, like Justin from Justin's Nut Butters, to save costs. This resourcefulness was essential in navigating the initial hurdles.

Why is Boulder, Colorado significant for Bobo's Oat Bars?

Boulder, Colorado is significant for Bobo's Oat Bars because it has a strong economy centered around natural foods. Many successful food brands, including Celestial Seasonings and Justin's Nut Butters, originated in Boulder. This vibrant community provided Beryl with a supportive environment to grow her business and connect with other like-minded entrepreneurs.

How did Beryl's background influence her business?

Beryl's background as a homemaker and her experience raising her daughters gave her the skills necessary to run a household and manage her time effectively. However, after her marriage ended, she had to rediscover her identity and skills in a new light. Her journey from small-town Louisiana to Boulder also shaped her perspective and drive as she navigated the food industry.

What lessons can entrepreneurs learn from Beryl's story?

Entrepreneurs can learn from Beryl's story the importance of resilience and the power of community support. Her ability to pivot during a difficult time and leverage her baking skills showcases how personal challenges can lead to innovative solutions. Additionally, Beryl's journey emphasizes the significance of quality ingredients and staying true to one’s passion in building a successful brand.