299 - EarthKind is a truly sustainable company from the farm, doing no harm

People of Packaging Podcast

About the Guest(s):

Kari Warberg Block is the innovative founder of EarthKind, a company renowned for its eco-friendly pest control solutions. As the daughter of an entomologist yet possessing a natural ethos about nature, Kari embarked on creating sustainable, humane pest control methods. Her product line, which steers clear from traditional toxic pesticides, has found massive success, selling over $350 million in retail. Her commitment to quality led her to oversee all manufacturing in-house at EarthKind, ensuring each product's integrity and efficacy. Kari is also a respected blogger and contributor to popular publications like Martha Stewart Living and Good Housekeeping.

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Episode Summary:

Join host Adam Peek in an intriguing conversation with Kari Warberg Block, the founder of EarthKind, as they dive into the world of compassionate pest control solutions. This podcast episode is a deep dive into Kari's unique journey from being the daughter of a traditional pest control professional to creating a company that revolutionizes the way we manage pests. Her determination and innovative mindset have navigated EarthKind to the forefront of eco-friendly pest prevention, highlighted by products like Fresh Cab and Stay Away.

Kari shares valuable insights into her entrepreneurial path, driven by personal experiences and an unyielding faith. She reveals her pioneering success in the pest control industry—having launched a whole new category that's been adopted by major retailers and even inspired giants like Procter and Gamble. This episode explores the intersection of effective pest control and earth-friendly solutions, showcasing advanced packaging innovations designed by her son and others at Earth Kind. Throughout the discussion, Kari's unwavering commitment to sustainability and quality shines through, offering listeners an enlightening perspective on her mission and legacy.

Key Takeaways:

* Kari Warberg Block transformed the pest control industry by creating eco-friendly, sustainable solutions that do not rely on toxins or poisons.

* Earth Kind's products, such as Fresh Cab and Stay Away, are thoroughly developed and manufactured in-house, emphasizing high-quality and environmentally friendly practices.

* Kari's approach is heavily influenced by her upbringing and personal ethos, focusing more on innovative problem-solving than on profit-making.

* The packaging of Earth Kind products is an integral component, crafted to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the pest-repelling contents.

* Earth Kind's impact reaches consumers directly and extends to collaborations with brands like John Deere, proving the professional-grade quality of their products.

Notable Quotes:

* "It always brings me a little bit of extra joy whenever I hear it because it's cool that I can get my kids involved in this whole thing."

* "I started this business with my kids and they've had a lot of contributions in it over the years, and ultimately it led to their career choices as well."

* "We moved around a lot…which really taught me a lot about people, right, and a lot about culture."

* "I prayed a lot and I learned to get really resourceful because if I don’t know something, I need to find the person who knows this."

* "Packaging is such an important piece of that. And I'm kind of a junkie when it comes to that."

Resources:

* Earth Kind

* Articles by Kari Warberg Block in major publications like Martha Stewart Living and Good Housekeeping

Delve into this captivating episode and discover how Kari Warberg Block's innovative spirit and commitment to sustainability are reshaping pest control at Earth Kind. Don't miss out on more enlightening stories and insights from the People of Packaging Podcast—subscribe and stay tuned for upcoming episodes.

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