From Burnout to a $103 Million Snack Empire

Charles Coristine had a thriving career at Morgan Stanley, enjoying the high-energy world of Wall Street. But after nearly 20 years, the constant hustle wore him out. He tried everything to recover—switching to a vegetarian diet, meditating, and even starting an MBA—but nothing worked.

In 2011, Charles attended a barbeque that changed his life. He met the owner of a struggling snack company called LesserEvil, who wanted to sell the business. With no experience in the food industry, Charles was intrigued by the challenge and liked the name’s connection to healthier living.

In November 2011, Charles bought LesserEvil for $250,000 using his savings and agreed to pay $100,000 later. It was a bold, impulsive decision. The company, known for offering healthy popcorn and snacks, was losing money and making less than $1 million a year.

Fast forward to 2023, and LesserEvil, based in Danbury, Connecticut, has transformed under Charles’ leadership. Its annual sales hit $103.3 million, with $82.9 million in net sales. The brand is now a favorite in major retailers and small stores across the U.S., offering healthy snacks like popcorn and air-popped puffs.

Since 2021, the company has been profitable, earning $14.4 million in EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) last year.

“I had no clue about the food business,” Charles says. “But maybe that was a good thing. If I had done more research, I might have realized how slim my chances were.”

Charles’ bold risk and passion for a fresh start turned LesserEvil into a household name.

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