Flabby Daddy Dips
Flabby Daddy Dips LLC: A Family-Inspired, Woman-Owned Business Shaking Up the All-Natural Dips Market!
Flabby Daddy Dips LLC is a woman-owned business in southern Illinois offering all-natural, preservative-free dips and slushy mixes. Founded in 2019 by Kathleen “Kathy” Eckols, the company offers its products online and at various vendor events throughout the year. Products include a wide variety of vegetable and fruit dips, easy-to-make desserts, and slushy drink mixes you can prepare with or without alcohol. Often asked about the name, Kathy recalls her father being a 30-year truck driver in Springfield, MA, known by his CB radio handle “Flabby Daddy” and her fond memories of spending time on the road with him as his “Sweet Potato”. The company name came to her in a dream, and it felt like the perfect way to honor him and their adventures together.
In 2020, amid the pandemic’s disruptions, Kathy turned to the Illinois Small Business Development Center (IL SBDC) at Southern Illinois University (SIU) for support. She initially worked with Aimee Wigfall, who helped her navigate sales tax registration, trademark information, and website development resources. As Kathy’s business expanded, she received additional guidance from advisor Amy Dion on marketing strategies, new product launches, and ongoing digital promotion. She praises the advisors, especially Amy Dion, whom she refers to as her “business person” for keeping her focused and forward-moving.
Kathy describes her experience with the IL SBDC at SIU as invaluable, crediting the team for helping her stay focused, motivated and helping her “evolve”. She also values the ongoing communication that reinforces key takeaways and next steps. In 2024, Flabby Daddy Dips received a sizeable IMEC Sprint to Success grant, which enabled a complete overhaul of the company’s website enhancing her brand, SEO, and e-commerce capability.
With the support from Aimee, Amy, and the entire SBDC team, Kathy has been able to adapt and grow her business over the past four years. She now focuses on expanding her reach and increasing brand awareness nationwide through digital marketing strategies and a strengthened online presence.