On today’s show I sat down with Mark LaFay, founder of Old Major Market.
Mark shares how he went from being a trained technologist from Purdue and concert promoter in the early 2000s, booking shows for bands like Paramore, My Chemical Romance, and Hatebreed, into building a meat business rooted in community and sustainability.
After years in music, PR, and tech, he pursued meat in 2016 using a lean minimum viable product approach, starting with small-batch bacon sold through neighborhood Facebook posts and weekly pickup from a truck.
Old Major grew via farmers markets, online ordering, prepared meals, and eventually shipping, all while navigating inspection rules, trademark hurdles, and pandemic-driven demand. By 2023, Mark went full-time with Old Major, cut unprofitable distribution, expanded into a larger facility, and focused on bacon and sausage, seasonal items and wholesale growth.
If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.
You are going to learn about:
The Founding of Old Major Market
Old Major Market’s Growth Strategies
Why Old Major Market Focused on Bacon and Sausage Over Other Meats
Thank you to our partners:
NCW
Jameson Camp
Check out these great clips from the show:
01:20 Guest Introduction: Mark LaFay, Old Major Market
02:36 Booking DIY Concerts
05:55 Wild Shows and Flops
09:18 Touring and Managing Bands
11:22 Tech Marketing Hacks
