Episode Description
By: Abbi Heckel
The latest episode of the Downtown Lowdown podcast, presented by the Downtown Tipp City Partnership and hosted by Tasha Weaver and Greg Enslen, highlighted one of the community’s longest-standing businesses: Trophy Nut Company.
Joining Weaver and Enslen in the studio were Trophy Nut Executive Vice President Bob Wilkie and Business Development and Sales Representative Megan Lash, who shared the company's history, growth, and continued commitment to Tipp City.
The conversation began with a look at Trophy Nut’s deep roots in the community. Wilkie explained that while many residents recognize the Trophy Nut name, some are surprised to learn the company’s factory and outlet store have operated in Tipp City for decades. The company’s current location on North Second Street traces its history back to the 1800s, when the building served as the Ford Wheel Works Company, producing wooden wagon wheel components during the canal era.
Wilkie’s family connection to the company dates back even further. His father-in-law joined Trophy Nut in its early years, eventually becoming president before purchasing the business and expanding operations into the facility that remains home to the company today. What began as a 5,000-square-foot building has grown into an 85,000-square-foot manufacturing operation.
Today, Trophy Nut roasts, seasons, packages, and distributes nuts and snack products nationwide. While consumers may not always recognize the company’s name on store shelves, many products sold under private-label brands at major retailers are manufactured in Tipp City.
One area where Trophy Nut has made a particularly significant impact is fundraising. Wilkie shared that the company has worked with Girl Scout councils across the country for more than 30 years, supplying products for fundraising programs. Lash, who joined the company seven months ago and is also Wilkie’s daughter, has begun taking a larger role in managing those relationships and expanding fundraising opportunities.
“It’s been a very special experience,” Lash said of working alongside her family. “Not a lot of people get the opportunity to work with family every day.”
Wilkie discussed the company’s newest product line, Upside Down Snacks, which features unique flavors such as taco peanuts, cheeseburger peanuts, Nashville hot peanuts, and donut-flavored cashews.
“We have to innovate,” Wilkie explained. “We’re not the largest nut company in the country, so we’re always looking for new ideas and new flavors.”
The hosts joked about some of the unusual flavor combinations, while Wilkie detailed the company’s process of testing products, monitoring trends, and bringing new concepts to market.
Weaver noted that Trophy Nut plans to become more involved in downtown events, including upcoming Downtown Tipp City Partnership activities and future Passport Challenges. Residents may also have the opportunity to visit the facility later this year during a planned community event.
Wilkie encouraged listeners to stop by the Trophy Nut Factory Outlet Store, located at 320 North Second Street. The store is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Trophy Nut has been woven into the fabric of the community for generations, and continues to grow while proudly calling Tipp City home.