Young gay entrepreneur gives granola a touch of class

They say California is the granola state — a land of “fruits, flakes and nuts” —but 25-year-old Denver native Sam Blumenthal is bringing that to Colorado in a different way, with a classy new granola company of his own.

Blumenthal said he’s wanted to own his own business since childhood — “I had lemonade stands as frequently as my parents would
let me” — and decided to tie that ambition to an interest in promoting health.

“I wanted to start a business that incorporated a healthy product. Searching different opportunities, I thought granola was the best one.”

Recently out of college, Blumenthal this year launched a company called Lagrano, offering three distinct healthy granola flavors that can be purchased online and shipped directly to your home or business. He’s already delivered to customers as far as New York, but his recipe comes from home.

“The orange coconut granola flavor is a recipe my mom made when we were kids,” said Blumenthal. “I make it gluten free with no
added sugar.”

But Lagrano provides more than healthy alternatives for granola lovers. While attending college, Blumenthal volunteered and interned at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GDSF). After working for a nonprofit, Blumenthal felt it was important that his for-profit enterprise give back.

“I’ve had a couple family members with cancer,” said Blumenthal, commenting on how Lagrano has worked with the Cancer League of Colorado. “But I’m reluctant to pair with just one organization that I have a personal connection to. I’d rather help out as many as possible. They’re just all great causes.”

In addition to raising money for the Children’s Hospital of Colorado and GDSF’s I Love You Dance for adults with Down syndrome, Lagrano sponsored the Fire Hawk Alliance launch party — a new LGBT organization that builds coalitions with other nonprofits. He’s also helped raise money for cityWILD, an agency providing outdoor experiences for low-income youth
of color.

In addition, Lagrano is a fundraising vendor at Denver South High, Blumenthal’s old high school. “The feedback from the high school kids so far is that the people that they’re selling to, they’re getting a good response. It’s a product that people can get excited about buying while supporting this local cause.”

Blumenthal recommends connecting with positive relationships and knowledge to succeed in any new venture in business, especially for beginners.

“Surrounding yourself with positive influences is a big thing. The Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute (RMMFI) is an awesome resource. They have a large network and a lot of different classes.”

One of Blumenthal’s initial challenges was developing a business brand that would remain unique. At an RMMFI business boot camp, Blumenthal joined a workshop led by a business attorney who offered smart advice.

“He pointed out that the easiest way to protect a business name is a made-up word, so I immediately wrote out the letters in granola and started rearranging them. Lagrano was the one that sounded the best.”

Blumenthal said the freedom to take the job by the reigns and create things has been the biggest reward of setting out as an entrepreneur. “The creative freedom has been huge,” he said. “Other jobs I’ve worked at, I’d have to get permission to really do just about anything. Being able to be the one to make those decisions has been really liberating in a lot of ways.”

For more information on Lagrano’s products or fundraising opportunities online, visit lagrano.com