Troy Bonde '14 is Taking the Pasta Sauce World by Storm.

CEO and Co-Founder of Sauz, Troy, and his best friend and business partner Winston Alfieri are creative problem solvers – you could say they started Sauz from an observation while walking in Whole Foods Market. The colorful, bright energy they experienced in the beverage aisle didn't continue when they reached the pasta sauce aisle. Something was missing. Troy and Winston envisioned innovative flavor profiles to intrigue the curious and a dynamic brand to communicate with consumers. "We had this insatiable conviction that consumers would share our vision," Troy told us. And they were right. Sauz will reach almost 20 million in sales this year.

It has definitely been a whirlwind, and Troy is both humbled and excited about their success. "We've been very fortunate. Our timing was great." He also realizes that hard work and a bit of risk-taking really paid off. The two launched their first business venture at the height of COVID with a temperature and sanitizing combination device that could shorten the COVID protocols as people started returning to campuses and businesses. Looking back, Troy shared that the early success inspired them. "We were kind of bit by the entrepreneurial bug…and we had enough money to take one more risk and see what might happen."

Today, Sauz is sold in major retailers with stores across the country, and they can't keep it on the shelves. They currently have seven different sauces available on the Sauz website. Troy admits he isn't a great cook but has learned so much about production line cooking and jarred sauce. There was a lot of trial and error as they developed their unique flavor profiles. "Our Hot Honey Marinara just isn't the same created in a home kitchen. It has to sit in the jar for 24-48 hours to really taste as it should." 

Troy is proud of the team he and Winston have built. From social media coordinator to food safety regulator, he really appreciates all they bring to the company. "It's magic really. We have both the young and hungry working with seasoned industry experts and we all learn from each other." Troy loves spending time in the stores, handing out samples, and talking with the store staff. "I've met a lot of incredible people. It's been amazing." 

Without a doubt, the biggest challenge has been using those problem-solving skills on a regular basis. "Something is always breaking, and we are still learning how to handle the stress and be proactive," Troy admits. 

Troy really appreciates his time at Mayfield and the community's support. A few have reached out, including his kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Rizzi. "She reached out via the company contact email with - Hello boys, it's Mrs. Rizzi - It was the nicest thing," he laughed. Troy is still close with old friends; many he's known since kindergarten. "Mayfield was an incredible place to be a young child. I have great memories."

Sauz continues to grow. Troy said their team will probably double within a year, and several new sauces, like Spicy Jalapeno Pesto and Pistachio Alfredo, will be hitting the shelves soon. Some exciting collaborations are in the wings, and they are exploring some new categories. The pasta sauce aisle will never be the same. Not bad for a kid who, in fourth grade, put a cookie in wet cement just because he was told not to. Sounds like it was meant to be.