Nancy Bruns on Building a Modern Business from Ancient Salt

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Nancy Bruns, president and co-founder of J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works. She shares how her family began making salt in Malden in the early 1800s, tapping into an ancient ocean beneath West Virginia. Their salt is rich in minerals and has a unique flavor. Nancy explains the day-to-day operations, with a team of 12 handling salt production, shipping, sales, and a busy event business that includes weddings and farm-to-table dinners. She talks about the challenges of rising shipping costs and competing with large companies offering free shipping. Marketing is done through their website and social media. When I ask for advice for entrepreneurs, Nancy says passion is key—it’s what gets you through the tough times.