The Impact 307 Start-Up Challenge in Fremont County recently unveiled its three finalists for the 2024 challenge, and among them is Scout Fauth. Since 2022, Scout has been crafting and selling his family’s cherished steak rub recipe under the Yellowstone Spice Company banner.
Initially, Scout never envisioned expanding beyond the family steak rub, but with the backing of the Start-Up Challenge, he’s begun to see a myriad of opportunities. Raised in Lander and inspired by his mother’s entrepreneurial spirit, Scout is eager to contribute to the local community.
“I want to follow in my mother’s footsteps by building a successful business that can generate employment opportunities here,” Scout shared with County 10. “Lander is an incredible place, rich in character.”
While the steak rub has gained popularity locally in Lander, Scout faced challenges in marketing and distributing his product beyond Fremont County. Thanks to the Wyoming Business Council, the Yellowstone Spice Company was introduced to trade shows and buyers outside the state.
Now, with the imminent launch of “The Yellowstone Collection” — an array of spices tailored for meats and vegetables — Scout aims to secure a deal to stock his locally crafted products in Yellowstone National Park this summer. Additionally, he hopes to see his brand, featuring the striking “blue-eyed buffalo” logo designed by his sister, on shelves in Xanterra stores nationwide.
Yet, efficiency remains a concern. This is where the Start-Up Challenge has proven invaluable.
“I’m keen on establishing a commercial kitchen to streamline operations,” Scout explained. “Transporting goods back and forth is becoming increasingly challenging.”
As demand grows, the Yellowstone Spice Company requires expanded space and compliance with commercial kitchen standards. The Start-Up Challenge not only assists with this but also aids Scout in developing a comprehensive three-year business plan — a service extended to all Challenge finalists. Establishing a commercial kitchen is just the initial phase.
The Challenge will also support Scout’s venture into “Hop Sauce” — a spicy carrot hot sauce themed around a blue-eyed jackrabbit. This project originated as a personal endeavor for Scout, inspired by a carrot-based hot sauce he sampled during a trip to Belize. Now, he plans to return to Belize to learn from Marie Sharp, the renowned “Queen of Habanero.”
“It’s a product close to my heart,” Scout remarked about his latest addition to the Yellowstone Spice line. “I’ve been perfecting my recipe for ten years!”
Marie Sharp produces her sauces by hand, without automation, and cultivates her own hot peppers and carrots. Scout aspires to bring some of her expertise back to Lander and infuse his Wyoming brand into the product.
After the success of his spice blends, hot sauce seemed like a natural progression for Scout, all stemming from his family’s traditions.
“At the core of the company is the idea of bringing people together through good food. Good food equals happy people.”
