A valentines day feature on Runamok co-founders Eric and Laura Sorkin…
Family owned + operated.
Sustainably sourced.
Made with love in Vermont.
Runamok was co-founded by husband and wife team, Eric and Laura Sorkin. The pair began their careers doing environmental advocacy work in DC, but left the city to pursue dreams of operating an organic farm.
“She was really interested in growing vegetables,” said Eric, “and I was interested in following her. So, we moved to Vermont.”
In 2009, after a decade of vegetable farming, they began tapping their maple trees in the off-season for sale to the bulk market. They recognized an opportunity to step out of the realm of tradition and infuse their syrup with new flavors. By 2016, Runamok was officially born.
Much of Runamok’s success can be attributed to the fact that Laura and Eric found ways to infuse the brand with things they were passionate about. Environmental conservation for one: “From the start, Eric and I were committed to be as sustainable in our manufacturing as we can be,” explains Laura.
“Maple syrup is actually a great example of agriculture and conservation co-existing beautifully.”
Another interest for Laura and Eric — and a key piece for Runamok — was the culinary innovation. They recognized maple has applications far beyond the breakfast table. Laura’s background as a chef, farmer, and food writer led them to some of Runamok’s best known infusions, and a collection of hundreds of maple recipes she’s developed over the years.
“If you work together, one of the most important components is a sense of humor. We like to say that we take our work seriously but not ourselves.“
After almost a decade in business, Laura and Eric are as hands-on as ever in the day to day of Runamok. Eric manages the business and production side, and Laura works on the marketing end.
Eric admits that he is spending less time in the woods these days: “It’s a little embarrassing,” he said. “But if you want to grow your business, you can’t do it from the field.” Laura, for her part, can still be found in her kitchen testing out new recipes for the website.
