Welcome to the MKE Black Business Spotlight! This week we feature the founder of A & M Organics, Alexander Hagler, who’s business sells organic hot sauce and seasoning mixes. Mr. Hagler is also an owner of Center Street Wellness. Read on to learn more about Alexander and his business.
Tell us about yourself, where you’re from and what you enjoy.
I’m from Milwaukee, WI and I love to garden. I grow my own hot specialty peppers and am addicted to the heat. I also coach high school wrestling and am passionate about athletics, health, and wellness.
Why did you start your business? What makes you passionate about it?
I started growing hot peppers several years ago as a hobby. I started to get good at it and decided to turn the peppers into fermented hot sauce and other natural products. I love spicy foods so I put hot sauce on everything! There’s also some health benefits to eating fermented and spicy foods.
What do you want people to know about your business?
The business is homegrown and local. I take pride in growing my own hot peppers and creating fun, high-value products. I use Blue Ribbon Organics compost (for Caledonia, WI) to grow the peppers. Its the best organic soil in the region and they utilize food scraps to make the compost which is really important in reducing waste/our carbon footprint.
Please explain why your business is important to the community.
It’s important to support local businesses that are unique and creative. My business creates real value through creation rather than simply reselling goods made elsewhere. Furthermore, circulating the dollar within our own community is how we are truly going to become a more resilient community.
Anything else we should know?
Hot sauce may not be for everyone, but everyone knows a hothead. As a true hothead myself, nothing says “I care about you” than receiving a creative gift like fermented hot pepper sauce!
*Some content is edited for clarity.
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