Jennifer Ritz, owner of Toddi Vodka, can sum up what it was like starting a business amid a global pandemic in one word.

“Frustrating.” 

While businesses around the world were grappling with how to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, three Davis College Alumni found a way to persevere through difficult times. 

Despite the uncertainty about the future of her business, Ritz decided to move forward with Toddi Vodka and found her circumstances could be used in her favor. 

“It forced us to step ahead and complete phase two earlier than we planned,” Ritz said.

She said the pandemic allowed her time to focus on her business’s marketing efforts and create an eye-catching and unforgettable brand.

Just 100 miles east, in Clovis, New Mexico, two other graduates from the Davis College decided to explore entrepreneurship as well.

Megan and Garrett Foote, Owners of Foote Family Meats, took a leap of faith in 2020 and opened a meat shop. Garrett said the opportunities of growth for the business outweighed the risk of the pandemic, that posed a threat for many business owners. 

“You can’t get tied down on the little things,” Garrett said. 

While starting a business during a global pandemic was a nerve-racking endeavor, the Foote family harnessed the unique opportunities provided to them during the pandemic and have successfully built an operational meat market with plans to expand their business. 

Ritz and the Foote family continue to keep close ties with the Davis College and use the skills they learned to better their proficiency in their businesses.  

Megan said she uses the skills she learned as an agricultural communications student every day to better market and serve Foote Family Meats. Ritz and Garrett said they continue to speak to their former professors and peers when they seek business advice.

“Continuously put the right people around you to be able to grow,” Garrett said.

During the pandemic, confidence and motivation were at an all-time low for many business owners. Some businesses struggled and even more were forced to close. Because of the skills that Ritz and the Foote family learned while students at the Davis College, they were able to persist through the pandemic and hold strong through their entrepreneurial spirit.

Tessa Taylor, Lead Writer; Shayla Jones, Photo Director; Hailey Crumpton, Design Coordinator; Elizabeth Daniel, Digital and Advertising Manager; Jacob Walters, Digital and Advertising Manager