Dropping Bombs How to Build a $1 Billion Snack Brand From Your Kitchen With No Marketing Budget
Apr 9, 2026
Tim Rexius, self-made entrepreneur and founder of Omaha Protein Popcorn, built nutrition and CPG businesses from scratch. He tells the origin story of a protein popcorn that tastes like a treat. He covers failed product tests, a one-word label pivot that unlocked demand, rapid retail and international expansion, and the packaging, distribution, and funding moves that scaled the brand.
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Protein Snack For People Who Hate Protein
- Tim Rexius created protein popcorn aimed at people who refuse protein bars or shakes by making it taste indistinguishable from regular snacks.
- He iterated 600 batches, hid samples in familiar bags, and used family feedback to validate flavor before retail launch.
One Word And A New Bag Turned The Booth Around
- At a major snack convention zero people visited Tim's booth until they added 'protein' to the banner and changed packaging design.
- A candy-company exec then told him to redesign the bag, mascot, and label — prompting a relaunch.
Packaging Became The Secret Competitive Moat
- Tim developed a proprietary bag enabling 18-month shelf life without preservatives so the product could survive long international shipping.
- Only two manufacturers meet his specs, which creates a defensible advantage for global retail.