The folks at this innovative company took plant-based to an entirely new level. “Nuttin Ordinary” is the first plant-based cheese producer of its kind. Its base ingredient – cashews – were certainly not previously considered for the production of plant-based cheeses. Founder Josh Velsaquez drew his inspiration from his childhood – as he grew up around family members who stuck to the vegan diet. The New England-based manufacturer, after securing several loans from a generous bank eager to take on their – at the time – “risky” venture, operations were underway.

With sales doing well, Nuttin Ordinary turned to an approach to manufacturing that would both be profitable and allow for longevity. In line with their health-happy outlook, they have developed the outlook on operations of “Zero Waste” (or “zero WHEYste” as they dub it). This plan for sustainability aims to repurpose every element of production that is possible – keeping as much waste from local and regional landfills as possible.

Offering a variety of products in their plant-based business model, Nuttin Ordinary produces fettucine, bow-ties pastas, ravioli, and so much more for a pleasant plant-based diet. Their products are sold at local household names such as Wegman’s, Whole Food’s and Roche Bros. Offered primarily in the upper northeast (New England) – their business serves regional markets in this area will great success.

In an article written on Nuttin Ordinary’s relationship with a local bank that help fund its needs in its early years of operation, the Keene Sentinel wrote of the employee focus of the company – even during challenging pandemic-induced times. Specifically, Nuttin Ordinary’s management made the financially difficult decision to pay its employees – no matter the circumstances of the world and the company’s financial position and market circumstances. In order to be prepared once the retail world pivoted to a sustainable outlook on the COVID-19 situation – Nuttin Ordinary wanted to ensure its staff would be ready and able to jump right back in.

The initiatives of this company and its products are unique – both of which have combined through their business model to create a human capital and environmentally-concerned outlook.