Tim Poeppel’s journey into the world of gourmet mushrooms began as a personal hobby. Originally from Germany and armed with a background in chemistry and business administration, Tim immigrated to Canada in 2016. He started growing mushrooms in his backyard using logs and grow kits, a process that ignited a passion for experimentation and innovation.
In the summer of 2022, Tim decided to turn his passion into a business, setting up a small indoor farm in Guelph. This year-round setup allows him to produce an incredible variety of mushrooms, regardless of the weather. As Tato’s Mushrooms expands, Tim is not only increasing production but also exploring new markets, such as e-commerce, home-growing kits, and dried mushrooms for local pickup or delivery.
With a mission to make mushrooms a staple ingredient in every kitchen, Tim is dedicated to educating customers on their culinary and nutritional uses, ensuring his mushrooms are as accessible as they are delicious.
Tim first discovered the Business Centre through one of their free workshops, which he attended in the early days of Tato’s Mushrooms. Impressed by the guidance he received; he booked a session with a business advisor who specialized in agriculture. This connection proved invaluable, ultimately leading him to apply for the Starter Company+ Program.
Throughout the program, Tim gained a deeper understanding of market structures and customer profiling—key areas that he had previously found challenging to articulate. The program not only helped him formalize his vision and mission statements but also gave him the tools to overcome his biggest hurdle: marketing. With the advice of his mentor, Tim learned that marketing doesn’t have to be complicated; it simply requires consistency and effort.
Tim’s entrepreneurial story is one of curiosity and constant growth. His background in chemistry has given him a meticulous approach to mushroom cultivation, ensuring every batch is grown in a clean and sterile environment. Despite his technical expertise, his business journey wasn’t without challenges.
Through the Starter Company+ Program, Tim learned the importance of building and nourishing relationships. Networking, a concept that initially felt outside his comfort zone, became a cornerstone of his approach. Tim now values the advice of fellow entrepreneurs and sees the power of collaboration as key to overcoming business obstacles.
When asked what advice he would give his past self, Tim said, “Take more action and initiative to grow faster, and don’t be afraid of change. Growth comes from challenging the status quo and trying new things earlier.” His ability to reflect and adapt is what continues to drive Tato’s Mushrooms forward.
Tim’s dedication to growing exceptional mushrooms, coupled with the insights and support from the Business Centre, has laid the foundation for Tato’s Mushrooms to thrive. His passion for educating the community and pushing the boundaries of his business showcases the power of entrepreneurship in action.
So, if you’re looking to add a unique touch to your next meal or explore the fascinating world of mushrooms, Tato’s Mushrooms is the local gem you’ve been searching for.
