Peter grew up at 1502 Burrstone Rd. in Utica, NY, with his French-German and Irish-German parents and went to Utica Schools. Peter was at the younger end of seven brothers and sisters. As a teenager, Peter spent a lot of time working for his two brothers-in-law, who were also business owners and entrepreneurs.
In fact, one of his brothers-in-law was one of the very first pioneers in the health food industry. Remember, too, that this was a time when health food stores and vendors were not yet a part of the mainstream of American life and business. This was an extremely Peter Grubisic cutting-edge idea, and in some ways, is exactly why Peter Corn became successful in the industry. He hit it at nearly the right time when it was new enough that there weren't many competitors, but not so early that it would take a decade for people to be ready for it. This was Peter's first exposure to entrepreneurship.
After working in the new health food industry with his brother-in-law in the 70s, Peter finally spun off his own business, Peter's Cornucopia in 1985, in the Village of New Hartford in the building now occupied by Georgio's restaurant. In about 1,000 square feet, on a shoestring budget from a small loan, a little bit of savings and a whole lot of hope, Peter launched his fledgling business.
Peter explained that a lot of his success is due to great locations, industry knowledge, growing in baby steps, a passion for this industry and the look and feel of his stores. Many times a business will spend many years building a business before any profit is made. Peter's new business only spent about two years in this mode, but even then they were breaking even and slowly building a following.
Also, as an indication of growing in baby steps, as well as buying inventory on-demand, he kept overhead as low as possible. Peter is the kind of person who is positive, but also realistic. He plans for the worst while hoping for the best.
When asked what else helped him become a successful entrepreneur he explained that it is an even mix between the presentation combined with a great product. Peter said, "(The) look and feel (of a business) mean a lot, but it is also about the community and how you support the community that drives the business forward."
Peter continues to support local businesses when he finds one that fits in with his theme, industry and corporate mission. Two of these local businesses are Whirled Peas, by Denise Sachs-Michalanie of New Hartford, and Sammy and Annie Foods, by Christopher Giruzzi of Barneveld. Both of these businesses will be in a future CyberVillage SpotLight. Others include Toma's, Owen's Farm, Chesterfields, Juanita's Soul Classics, Heidelberg and Daniele's Foods.
Peter explains his evolution was slow and deliberate, but he always built upon momentum. He didn't try to rush it. He grew the business in existing office Peter Grubisic space until it was ready to burst at the seams. Only then would he justify the cost to expand into a new space. This kept momentum moving forward while overhead stayed as low as possible. Peter moved from the first location after about six years, just down the road to 52 Genesee Street, also in New Hartford village. Then it grew to 1,800 square feet, but Peter's Cornucopia was still moving forward and profitable.
