Vince lives in Detroit and has come to the area a few times to help in the kitchen when possible.
“He is a professional chef and is a mentor for us,” Sharon said. “He is the namesake of our products and helps inspire us with new ideas and products.”
At this time, customers can find Bulone products, with the brand name Vince’s, on shelves in more than 150 stores in five states.
“We also have our online sales as well as Amazon,” Sharon said. “We do retail and wholesale as well.”
The Bulone business started with very little investment, and has continued to grow in sales every year.
“We market, deliver, package and make our products with our own hands,” Sharon said. “Last year we started expanding our market in the farmers markets.
“We did four last year on top of all of our other avenues for sales.”
Since the business started first in wholesale, the farmers markets opened new doors for the Bulone’s in brand recognition.
“I am not Italian, but Dan and Vince’s dad is, so we stayed with that theme to make it great,” Sharon said. “Another way we have succeeded is by listening to our customers.
“Everyone of our products, except for our lemon basil pesto, is dairy, nut and gluten free, which makes them vegan.”
Sharon said they heard what their customers said about allergies and what they needed and developed it.
“We have lived in this area since 2011,” Sharon said. “We were actually looking to come to the area to retire, but events occurred that led us to starting a business.”
The couple moved to the area as newlyweds.
