From music studios to the world of breakfast tables, Cam Meekins, Recording Artist and the Co-Founder and CEO of Stone & Skillet, has turned English muffins into a fast-growing brand now found in retailers like Whole Foods and Publix. Meekins joins us in today’s episode of The Small Business Show to share how his story unfolded and what he’s learned along the way.
Meekins’ entrepreneurial drive started after a life-threatening accident at age 15, which shaped his perspective on pursuing passions and living life to the fullest. His initial focus on music honed his marketing, sales, and promotional skills, laying a foundation that would later support his transition into food entrepreneurship.
Stone & Skillet began when Meekins’ brother leveraged connections from his job at a regional bread company to sell to local restaurants. What started as small-scale wholesale and farmers’ market sales quickly caught the attention of a Whole Foods forager, leading to the brand’s first major retail placement.
Scaling production to meet retail demand posed a significant challenge as Meekins and his team took a stepwise approach, moving from small batches to a full bakery in Dorchester, Massachusetts, producing thousands of muffins weekly. Throughout its growth, the company maintained its artisanal quality, using simple, clean ingredients and small-batch methods.
Product innovation has been a core element of Stone & Skillet’s success. Seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice and orange cranberry complement the flagship English muffin, which is denser, buttery, and versatile enough for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack. Meekins and his team focus on creating products that stand out on the shelf and deliver a memorable consumer experience.
Marketing and community engagement remain central to the brand’s strategy. Stone & Skillet leverages social media, pop-ups, and real-life activations to connect directly with consumers, fostering organic word of mouth and building a loyal following. These efforts have helped expand the brand beyond its Boston roots into new markets and retail channels.
For Meekins, the entrepreneurial journey is as much about people as it is about products. Family collaboration has been integral to the business, providing loyalty, shared vision, and motivation through challenges. Surrounding himself with experienced partners and a strong team has enabled the company to navigate the complexities of scaling a food business while maintaining its quality standards.
Ultimately, Stone & Skillet aims to become the market leader in premium English muffins, expanding into households across the U.S. and beyond. While Meekins and his team are focused on English muffins today, the brand sees potential for additional innovative products under the Stone & Skillet umbrella.
“I think the number one thing in business personally is kind of who you're working with… if you work with great people, I think it can motivate you to continue to move forward no matter what the challenges are are in front of you."
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