Interview with CEO Mark Welch, Founder of Barrier Island Organics

Stacey Chillemi 

Tell us about yourself

Mark Welch 

I am Mark Welch from the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I have always felt that there is a direct link to good health and the food that we consume. Due to the diagnosis of Chronic Atrial Fibrillation at the age of 26.  I was unable to take the over the counter medications to ease the discomfort of colds and sinus issues. As a result, I was prescribed antibiotics too many times a year.

After much research for an alternative to medication, I tried a recipe for something similar to my Organic Root Cider.  I went from 5-6 antibiotics a year to one in the last five years.

Stacey Chillemi 

What kind of product does your company sell?

Mark Welch

We sell one product. Mother Earth’s Organic Root Cider.

Stacey Chillemi 

How did the company come into existence?

Mark Welch

In the early stage of this adventure, I made the cider in my kitchen. I shared this with friends and family after seeing the rapid results with my health. I could not make it fast enough to meet the demand from everyone that wanted it. I made it in larger batches in a local restaurant until I made the decision that the ingredients were to be organic, whole and fresh. I began the process of FDA approval and was on my way.

Stacey Chillemi 

What are the benefits of using Organic Root Cider and how has it helped others?

Mark Welch

We have had an incredible amount of feedback about the product. People have shared that it reduced inflammation, lowered cholesterol, lowered blood pressure and stopped colds and flu, increased energy and an incredible immune booster.

Stacey Chillemi 

What makes Organic Root Cider unique?

Mark Welch

The fact that all of the ingredients have been chosen because of the health benefits. The ingredients are whole, fresh and organic. They are immersed into a base of organic raw apple cider vinegar, pressed and then the pureed pulp is added back into the cider so that no nutrients are lost in the process.

Stacey Chillemi 

What has been the challenges that we have faced?

Mark Welch

The first and probably the largest challenge was finding an organic food kitchen to make the cider for us. Organic kitchens are in short supply and it becomes even more of a challenge because the cider has to follow a low acidified process for two weeks before pressing and two weeks before bottling. Not many companies want to tie up space for that length of time.

Stacey Chillemi 

How passionate are you about this product?

Mark Welch

We are very serious about this. When a new store joins our family we like to go to the store…no matter where it is and offer tastings to make the customers aware of how beneficial this is.

Stacey Chillemi 

What makes your product better than the competitors?

Mark Welch

Our product is better because it is nutrient rich with whole, fresh, organic ingredients. We never use powdered ingredients. We do not add honey or any sweetener. The cider has a nice consistency thanks to the pulp.

Stacey Chillemi 

Do you think there is a difference in organic and natural?

Mark Welch

Yes, there is no synthetic pesticides allowed in organic crops and more quality control.

Stacey Chillemi 

Why does the public need to incorporate more organic products into their lifestyle?

Mark Welch

It is my hope that everyone will be more aware and concerned about what goes into their bodies. Everything that happens to you begins with what you do or do not eat. An overuse of harmful pesticides can have unwanted effects on your health as well as the chemicals in processed foods. If everyone could try to eat real food it would be a start to a healthy, energetic body.

Stacey Chillemi 

What are you doing to help our environment and the people who live in it?

Mark Welch

We return shipping boxes for the cider to the organic kitchen to be reused for future orders.  We also work diligently to raise awareness of the benefits of proper nutrition.  People often resist change but we encourage them to try our product for one month and feel the benefits.

Stacey Chillemi 

How can people find your product?

Mark Welch

Please go to our website:  Visit Our Website   We are always willing to talk to anyone who has questions.   Email me at mark.barrierislandorganics@gmail.com