Biography of Joseph Trousdale: Founder and COO of PhoLicious -Entrepreneur
Biography of Joseph Trousdale:
In 2004, Joseph Trousdale met Anh, a dedicated and ambitious
woman who would later become his wife and business partner. While Anh pursued
her nursing degree, Joseph built his career in the hospitality industry,
gaining valuable experience in management. Their busy lives often found comfort
in a shared love for Pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. Pho outings
became their favorite way to unwind and enjoy time together.
A Pandemic Sparks Innovation
When the pandemic hit in 2020, their cherished tradition of
eating out for Pho was disrupted. Rather than accepting defeat, they saw an
opportunity. They wanted to recreate the authentic flavors of Pho at home but
found that the process was time-consuming and complicated. This challenge
sparked the idea of making a quick and convenient Pho kit that could bring the
same restaurant-quality taste to anyone’s kitchen.
Turning Passion into Business
Drawing from Anh’s family heritage and her mother’s
treasured recipes, Joseph and Anh worked tirelessly to perfect their product.
After nearly 15 years in the hospitality industry, Joseph used his expertise in
operations and management to bring their idea to life. In May 2021, they
officially launched PhoLicious on Amazon, marking the beginning of their
entrepreneurial journey.
Biography of Joseph Trousdale: Founder and COO of PhoLicious -Entrepreneur #startup#age#net worth#investor#PhoLicious story#Joseph Trousdale story
A Bold Leap of Faith
By October 2021, PhoLicious had grown beyond just a side
project. Determined to take their dream to the next level, Joseph and Anh made
a courageous decision—they sold their home, moved into a camper, and dedicated
themselves fully to their business. It was a risky move, but they believed in
their product and were willing to sacrifice stability for their vision.
A Breakthrough with QVC
Their hard work paid off when they entered the prestigious
QVC THE BIG FIND contest. Competing against numerous other brands, PhoLicious
stood out with its authentic flavors and unique approach. The judges were
impressed, and the product earned a spot on QVC, giving it national exposure
and propelling the business forward.
A Major Retail Deal
In June 2022, another opportunity knocked—Joseph and Anh
pitched PhoLicious to Walmart and Sam’s Club. The response was overwhelming.
They secured shelf space in 28 Sam’s Club locations, which quickly expanded to
over 150. Similarly, Walmart initially placed PhoLicious in 250 stores, which
grew to almost 500 locations. Their product was now reaching households across
the country.
Winning the HEB Quest for Texas Best
The following year, PhoLicious entered the HEB "Quest
for Texas Best" competition, one of the most prestigious contests for food
entrepreneurs in the state. After a nerve-wracking pitch and rigorous judging
process, PhoLicious was named the Grand Champion. This victory led to a launch
in 323 HEB stores across Texas, solidifying its place in the retail market.
A Dream Fueled by Faith
Anh and Joseph often credit their success to their
unwavering faith and belief in God’s plan. They faced challenges, sacrifices,
and uncertainties, but their determination never wavered. For them, PhoLicious
was more than just a business—it was a representation of perseverance, cultural
heritage, and the American dream.
A Unique Take on Pho
PhoLicious is not just another instant noodle brand; it’s a
carefully crafted experience. Each kit includes steamed and dried rice noodles,
a rich bouillon made from real beef and chicken, and a special spice blend
inspired by Mama Thu’s family recipe. The unique addition of a tea bag-style
spice packet allows users to infuse their broth with authentic Vietnamese
flavors effortlessly.
A Healthier Ramen Alternative
With the rise in demand for convenient yet healthy meals,
PhoLicious offers a great alternative to traditional ramen. Unlike most instant
noodle products, it focuses on authentic flavors without compromising quality.
The product appeals to busy professionals, students, and families who want a
quick meal without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Shark Tank Success
PhoLicious gained even more recognition when Joseph and Anh
pitched their business on Shark Tank USA Season 16. Initially asking for
$500,000 for 10% equity, they negotiated and secured a deal of $500,000 for 15%
equity. This investment provided them with the resources to scale their
business and reach even more customers nationwide.
A Journey of Taste and Triumph
The journey of PhoLicious is a testament to resilience, hard
work, and the power of belief. From a small idea born out of a love for Pho to
a nationally recognized brand, Joseph and Anh have built something
extraordinary. Their story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs to chase their
dreams, embrace risks, and trust the process. With PhoLicious now available in
major retailers, they continue to share the flavors of tradition and passion
with the world.
Timeline for story
2004 – Joseph meets Anh, his future wife and business
partner.
2020 – Pandemic disrupts their Pho tradition, sparking a
business idea.
May 2021 – Launch of PhoLicious on Amazon.
October 2021 – Sold their home, moved into a camper to focus
on PhoLicious.
2022 – Won QVC THE BIG FIND contest, gaining national
exposure.
June 2022 – Secured shelf space in Sam’s Club and Walmart
stores.
2023 – Won HEB Quest for Texas Best, expanding to 323 HEB
stores.
2024 – Appeared on Shark Tank USA Season 16, securing a
$500K deal.
