Dan Bastian
Dan Bastian co-founded Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP with his wife Angie in 2001, operating from their Mankato, Minnesota garage. After spotting an internet ad for kettle-corn equipment, he launched a weekend venture that grew into a leading natural popcorn brand, which the couple sold in 2017.
Dan Bastian's Bio
Dan Bastian co-founded Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP with his wife Angie in 2001, launching the business from their Mankato, Minnesota garage. The couple bought $200 worth of kettle-corn equipment off an internet ad, aiming to build a college fund for their children. What started as a weekend venture became a national natural popcorn brand.
Dan's brother connected the Bastians to a local natural foods buyer who placed their first order, and word spread from there. Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP grew into one of the fastest-growing snack brands in the country, with kettle corn in grocery stores across the US. In 2017, Conagra Brands acquired the company for $250 million.
Dan appeared on NPR's How I Built This with Guy Raz, where he and Angie discussed building a brand on kindness, treating suppliers fairly, and keeping family at the center of their decisions.
Career Timeline
2001 — Co-founded Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP
Started with wife Angie from their Mankato, MN garage to build a college fund for their kids.
2012 — Kroger national distribution deal at Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP
Landing Kroger as a retail partner moved the brand into stores across the United States.
2015 — Named one of Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies
Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP ranked among the top-growing private companies in America.
2017 — Acquired by Conagra Brands at Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP
Conagra Brands completed acquisition for approximately $250 million.
2020 — Featured on How I Built This (ep. 823)
Appeared with Angie on Guy Raz's NPR podcast discussing building the brand.
