Biography of Katey Evans: Founder & CEO of The Frozen Farmer -Entrepreneur
From Farm to Freezer: The Story of Katey Evans and The Frozen Farmer
A Legacy of Farming and Innovation
Katey Evans comes from a long line of farmers, deeply rooted
in Delaware’s agricultural traditions. Her family has been farming for three
generations, managing Evans Farms, a 3,000-acre grain and produce operation.
However, modern farming comes with challenges—long hours, unpredictable
weather, and significant financial risks. Determined to preserve her family's
farming legacy, Katey began exploring new ways to make farming more sustainable
while ensuring the business thrived.
The Ugly Fruit Problem
Every year, millions of pounds of fruits and vegetables are
discarded simply because they don’t meet grocery store beauty standards. This
"ugly" produce may have minor blemishes or odd shapes but is still
perfectly fresh and delicious. For farmers like Katey and her husband Kevin,
this meant a huge loss in potential revenue. Rather than letting this imperfect
produce go to waste, they searched for a solution that could turn these
overlooked fruits into something valuable.
The Birth of The Frozen Farmer
One evening, while brainstorming ideas over dinner, Katey
and Kevin had a breakthrough—why not turn their farm’s surplus fruit into
frozen desserts? This idea gave birth to The Frozen Farmer, a brand that
creates premium, sustainably crafted frozen treats using upcycled fruit. Their
mission was simple: reduce food waste while delivering delicious, indulgent
treats made from natural ingredients.
Biography of Katey Evans: Founder & CEO of The Frozen Farmer -Entrepreneur #startup#age#net worth#investor#shark tank#The Frozen Farmer story#Katey Eva
Shark Tank and a Life-Changing Investment
Determined to take her business to the next level, Katey
pitched The Frozen Farmer on ABC’s Shark Tank. She impressed the investors with
her passion, sustainability mission, and delicious frozen treats. Lori Greiner
saw the potential and invested $125,000 for a 30% stake in the company. This
partnership provided not only financial support but also national exposure,
helping The Frozen Farmer grow beyond its small beginnings.
Expanding into Grocery Stores Nationwide
With the Shark Tank investment and Lori Greiner’s
mentorship, The Frozen Farmer quickly expanded its reach. What started as a
small farm-to-table venture soon became a nationwide brand, securing shelf
space in over 8,000 grocery stores across the U.S. Major retailers, including
Kroger, embraced the brand’s innovative concept and commitment to
sustainability.
A Pandemic Pivot: Online Sales Boom
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many businesses struggled,
but Katey adapted quickly. She launched direct-to-consumer online sales,
allowing customers to order The Frozen Farmer’s products from the comfort of
their homes. The response was overwhelming—within the first week, they shipped
frozen treats to nearly every state in the U.S. This move not only kept the
business afloat but also introduced the brand to an even wider audience.
Recognition and Awards
Katey’s entrepreneurial journey has been nothing short of
inspiring. She was named one of Inc. Magazine’s Top Female Founders and
recognized as one of the Most Dynamic Women in Business in 2023. The Frozen
Farmer also earned a spot on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list, ranking as one of
the fastest-growing private companies in America. Her innovative approach to
reducing food waste also earned her a $50,000 USDA Value Added Producer Grant.
Speaking Up for Women in Business
Beyond her work with The Frozen Farmer, Katey is passionate
about supporting women in the workforce. She is an active member of the
Delaware Women’s Workforce Council, which advocates for gender equality in the
workplace. She also achieved national certification for The Frozen Farmer
through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), further
solidifying her brand’s credibility as a women-owned business.
Barbie™️ Freezer Squeezers: A Dream Collaboration
Katey’s innovative mindset led to another major milestone—a
partnership with the Barbie™️ brand. The Frozen Farmer introduced Barbie™️
Freezer Squeezers, a fun and delicious frozen treat that appeals to kids and
families. This collaboration not only expanded the brand’s product line but
also reinforced its commitment to providing healthy, flavorful alternatives in
the frozen dessert market.
A Voice for Sustainable Food Practices
Katey’s impact extends beyond her own business. She was
invited as a panelist at the Global Food Forum, where she represented the
farming industry and discussed the importance of reducing food waste. Her
advocacy for sustainability and innovation has made her a respected voice in
the food production sector, inspiring others to find creative solutions to
agricultural challenges.
Balancing Business and Motherhood
Despite her busy schedule, Katey’s most cherished role is
being a mother to her four daughters. She strives to set an example for them,
showing that women can achieve anything with hard work and determination. Her
journey from a small-town farmer to a nationally recognized entrepreneur serves
as a testament to the power of resilience and innovation.
A Sweet Future Ahead
With continued growth and an unwavering commitment to
sustainability, The Frozen Farmer is set to expand even further. Whether
through new product innovations, strategic partnerships, or greater advocacy
for reducing food waste, Katey Evans is proving that the best ideas often come
from the simplest moments—like a family dinner discussing what to do with
“ugly” fruit. Her story is a reminder that challenges can be turned into
opportunities, and sometimes, the sweetest success comes from thinking outside
the box.
Timeline for story
2015 – Katey Evans founded The Frozen Farmer to reduce food
waste using upcycled fruit.
2020 – Pitched on Shark Tank and secured a $125,000
investment from Lori Greiner.
2020 – Expanded into 8,000+ grocery stores and launched
online sales during COVID-19.
2023 – Recognized as one of Inc. Magazine’s Top Female
Founders and secured WBENC certification.
2024 – Partnered with Barbie™️ to launch Freezer Squeezers
and spoke at the Global Food Forum.
