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In the wake of a health scare, Lori and Scott Levine transformed their lives by creating a nutritious snack that has resonated with many. Their journey began in a moment of uncertainty, ultimately leading to a successful venture that emphasizes health and wellness.
Scott Levine, an accountant, was living a peaceful life with his family in Plainview, New York. However, in 2017, their world changed dramatically with the diagnosis of breast cancer for Lori Levine.
“In 2017, out of nowhere, I got diagnosed with breast cancer,” Lori shared, emphasizing the abrupt shift in their lives. Following her diagnosis, she underwent surgery and began treatment.
In the aftermath of her treatment, Lori felt lost. Determined to regain control, she sought the guidance of a nutritionist and committed herself to achieving optimal health.
“At the time, I was 52 years old, and my nutritionist delivered a stern message. She told me to eliminate unhealthy snacks, especially those filled with sugar and preservatives,” Lori explained.
Finding a Solution
Missing healthy, convenient snacks, she inspired Scott to take action. He wanted to support her during her recovery and create something that could serve as a satisfying, nutritious alternative.
Feeling compelled to help, Scott embarked on his culinary journey. “I experimented with numerous recipes, trying to find the perfect mix. The ‘three-ingredient’ brownie bars were a letdown, but eventually, I landed on a simple yet effective recipe for protein balls,” he said.
With a determination to create the ideal snack, Scott meticulously calculated caloric content and protein levels using spreadsheets. After navigating a challenging trial-and-error phase, his dedication paid off.
A Labor of Love
His efforts culminated in the creation of Scott’s Protein Balls, a snack that quickly gained popularity among friends and family. Little did they know this simple endeavor would evolve into a full-fledged business.
Their friends encouraged them to turn their growing snack-making into a business, but Lori hesitated, saying, “As a recovering breast cancer survivor and a busy mom, I didn’t think starting a business was feasible at that time.”
However, the landscape shifted when the pandemic hit in 2020. With their children moving back home, Lori seized the opportunity to increase production.
“With everyone at home, we decided to focus on making more protein balls. I didn’t know exactly what we were aiming for, but we ordered bulk ingredients and began rolling protein balls together as a family,” she recalled.
The Burgeoning Business
From local Facebook mom groups to a nearby bakery, the demand for Scott’s Protein Balls exploded. The couple soon found themselves managing inventory and hiring employees to accommodate their growing customer base.
What began with a single flavor of peanut protein balls expanded to six varieties, including options with and without nuts, along with seasonal flavors. This evolution represents their commitment to providing healthier snack choices.
“Our primary goal has always been to make something nourishing. We strive to create snacks without seed oils, preservatives, or artificial colors,” Lori emphasized.
Quality Meets Flavor
The Levines ensure their protein balls are maintained at optimal freshness by selling them exclusively refrigerated. This practice reflects their commitment to quality and clean eating.
“These snacks can be kept in the fridge or freezer, ensuring they stay fresh. We believe that clean eating should not compromise taste,” added Scott.
He further elaborated, “If it doesn’t taste good, there’s no point in it. I want to enjoy what I eat, feel satisfied, and not feel guilty about it. That has always been our vision.”
Giving Back to the Community
Scott’s Protein Balls stand out not only for their taste and nutritional value but also for their commitment to a cause close to the Levines’ hearts. They dedicate 1% of all sales to support breast cancer research, ensuring that their business gives back to the very community that helped them during their challenging times.
The Levines’ story reflects resilience and innovation. Out of adversity, they found purpose and passion, transforming a personal health crisis into a thriving enterprise dedicated to health and wellness.
An Inspiring Journey
Today, Scott’s Protein Balls are not just a snack; they represent a labor of love and a commitment to better health for many. The Levines have demonstrated that with determination and creativity, one can navigate life’s challenges and emerge stronger while helping others along the way.
