Conan Miller would like to offer you a piece of Chipotle Mango Lemon Meringue Pie. It’s an example of the taste-bud-expanding ideas Miller has for hot sauce customers who buy his products online and at local farmers markets. “I like to help people get past the preconceived notions of what my hot sauce is, help them know how to incorporate it into different things,” says Miller, who has worked in the food industry for 27 years. “Being able to share what I do is my favorite part of my work.”
Business name: Conan’s Hot Sauces and Marinades
Website: www.conansjuju.com
Facebook: Conan’s Island Ju Ju Hot Sauce
Age: 43
Professional background: I have been a culinary professional for about 27 years, from my first restaurant job flipping burgers at Steakburger on Highway 99. I went to culinary school at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, R.I. When I returned to Vancouver, I was hired to work as a line cook for Shilo Inns. From there, I worked for country clubs, restaurants and hotels, where I also worked as a bartender. My last management job was at The Palms at Pelican Cove, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, where I was the food and beverage director of the resort.
How you got started in your business: I got started making my hot sauces and marinades about 2 1/2 years ago. I made a haba?ero mango sauce to use at home and decided to take some into work for everyone to try. It was such a hit that I had to start making it in large batches and then that wasn’t enough. So, we started looking for a co-packer and haven’t looked back! We have had this packaging for almost one year and are excited to be introducing a new flavor soon!
Personal/business philosophy: I believe that not only the determination and experience of an individual is passed on through whatever it is they do and touch, but also the feelings and emotions are passed on. So with a peaceful mind and spirit and a whole lot of love and happiness, I create my products for people to enjoy.
Most rewarding part of job: Watching people change their mind about a product they thought they didn’t like and expanding their palate to include something new. Like making lemonade (a drink that everyone knows about) and adding a spicy element to it. People try it and they say “Oh, wow!” This is how I get a lot of new customers.
Most challenging part of job: Getting folks to understand that there are many ways of using these products.
After meeting a lot of people, this summer especially, I would like to encourage people to think outside the box!
Coming in the future: A line of dry rub seasonings and a ghost pepper papaya sauce.
What is your favorite travel destination and type: After living in the Caribbean for four years, I enjoy warmer climates, but the mountains also have always had a draw to them. I love camping with my family, but also believe that the journey should not be overlooked. So whatever form of travel, it shall be enjoyed! I do not believe there is anywhere I wouldn’t go!
Best feature of my Clark County community: I am happy about the school system for our children!
When we moved back from the U.S. Virgin Islands, we were pleased to be able to enroll our boys in the Evergreen school district. Raising two special needs children, the schools welcomed our family from the very beginning and met the challenges that turned our children into fantastic young men.
What would make your community a better place? More community clean-ups, and we should all smile at each other more often!
Favorite restaurant/pub/coffee shop/store: When we can, we like to stop by Northwest Liquid Gold for a cold beverage. They are so nice there.
Hobbies: Riding motorcycles and listening to music.
Something you’d like to do this year/within five years: I would like to take my wife to Patagonia and back on a motorcycle sidecar. We haven’t started planning yet but the subject has come up more than once!
One word to describe yourself: Uncommon.
Working in Clark County, a brief profile of interesting Clark County business owners or a worker in the public, private, or nonprofit sector. Send ideas to Kay Richardson:
kay.richardson@columbian.com; fax 360-735-4598; phone 360-735-4550.
