Mike Marcinko, the man behind Pilsudski Mustard, is a people person.
Anyone visiting the Pilsudski Mustard booth at the Shillington Farmer’s Market is drawn to him. Marcinko, who more resembles an Eagles defensive tackle than a mustard purveyor, is truly master of his mustard domain.
That domain is growing faster than even Marcinko thought it would.
What’s in a Name?
Pilsudski Mustard is named for WWI General Jozef Pilsudski, who is singularly credited with giving Poland back its independence after more than 100 years of Russian control. In short, Gen. Pilsudski knew how to get things done.
As does Mike Marcinko.
Before launching Pilsudski Mustard, Marcinko worked for Van Bennett Foods Inc., the Reading-based maker of the regionally popular Betty's Salads and Betty's Potato Filling, which was owned by his father, John.
Van Bennett ceased operations in early 2015. “It hurt,” says Marcinko, “but I had to make a living, so I went to work at Deka [East Penn Manufacturing]. But first, I acquired the recipe for the Polish-style mustard and developed a five-year business plan.”
Punching it up a Notch
That mustard, a nicely textured mix of premium mustard seed, freshly ground hot horseradish and a blend of spices, is the base of the business. “It’s known,” chuckles Marcinko, “as the Pilsudski Punch.”
And with the strength of that punch, Marcinko’s five-year business plan was realized in less than two years. Each year, says Marcinko, Pilsudski Mustard has doubled its business, to where he now works full-time at it — but still from his home.
He has also added four additional flavors: Wasabi, Sweet Hot Honey, Dill and Sriracha Mustards.
“We sell a decent amount of our mustard out ‘on the streets,’” says Marcinko, noting that regional grocers, such as Redner’s, have become good customers. “We’re also in Cabela’s in Hamburg. Sportsmen have really come to value what our mustard line adds to what they are going after on hunting and fishing trips.”
It’s Showtime!
But the real growth, says Marcinko, has come from good old-fashioned leg work — by attending outdoor, hunting, fishing and other festival shows around the country.
And this is where Marcinko’s gregarious personality, combined with the new flavors, has created a “mustard buzz” throughout the country.
“I love going to the shows…love meeting the people. And I get a kick out of the reactions when people try our mustard,” laughs Marcinko.
Because of the shows, he says, his online business (which offers free shipping) has tripled.
Go Big, but Stay Home
Pilsudski Mustard has been on a “no holds barred” campaign, much like it’s WWI namesake. Marcinko says he will keep working hard, but also will take the rest of this year to assess his next move.
“I’m still doing everything out of my home,” he sighs. “I’d like to find a place with a commercial kitchen and a warehouse dock,” he says when asked about his short-term goals, offering that he wants to stay in Berks County.
And long-term goals?
“That’s easy,” he laughs, in his inimitable style. “I want my mustard to be as big as Heinz Ketchup!”
