Meet Ruth Sallinger | Owner-Rootie’s Pickles

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ruth Sallinger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ruth, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in Americus, GA and both my parents were born and raised in GA. So, when I speak to being a certified Georgia Grown company…I really mean it! I am one of four kids and part of who I am was built around our dinner table at home. Food (and I mean good, fresh, healthy food) was important, as was our family always eating together at dinnertime. We always had a garden and we learned how to grow things and appreciate them. This was part of who I have become…..family is important, gratitude is important, and food is important. Rootie’s Pickles is based on my Mom’s pickle recipe, and like her, it is a brand that is built on love, friendliness, humor, and honesty. Those traits are who I am, as well. I guess you could say the brand of Rootie’s Pickles is my brand too. In fact, that is where I got the name. My Mom called me Rootie Kazootie growing up, so it was just natural to combine the name and brand into our company.

What should our readers know about your business?
I was in Corporate America for the majority of my life. And while it (staffing) was totally different from pickles, my experiences and skills gained in that industry gave me a bit of insight into growing the business and learning how to navigate the food industry. However, taking a food product to market was more challenging than I anticipated….you don’t know what you don’t know! I no longer had an IT department, corporate counsel, or an accounting department to fill in the blanks. I looked to my contacts and friends for help. My talented chef friend, Christian Hallowell, was such a great guide, and again, a selfless supporter along the way. Business associates, such as my copacker Bluefrog Foods, provided direction. The Small Business Development Council stepped in whenever I had questions. It is so rewarding to see how much people want local and small business to succeed and how gracious they are with their expertise, time, and positive attitude.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
All the Cartersville Museums (History, Tellus, Savoy, and Booth) Drowned Valley Brewing Company
Doug’s Place
Red Top Mountain State Park
Downtown Cartersville

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe this company to my Mom, Margaret, because the whole thing started with her pickle recipe and her enthusiasm for sharing it with others. And along the way, I have a group who has stood by me, supported me in so many selfless ways because they love the pickles and they love me. Shoutout to my husband, Bob… my friends, Sharon, Pam, and Cal… my daughter, Maggie…and my siblings Sarah, George, and Wesley.

Website: www.rootiespickles.com

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