Meet Tina Urfali of Popcorn Country in Tucson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Urfali.

Tina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I actually began college with every intention of becoming a doctor. However, after my first semester, I knew that was not my path. Before the end of my freshman year, I began looking into the Eller College of Management and the steps I would need to take to switch my major. I did a summer class and began my sophomore year as pre-business. This transition seemed very natural to me as I come from a long line of entrepreneurs. My dad started a business before he even graduated from college and even recruited one of his professors to come work with him. For my entire life, he and my mom have been involved in the business world. They used to have a restaurant here in Tucson, and currently, own and operate an independent real estate and property management firm and are partners in an insurance brokerage. I have been involved in their endeavors from a young age, and I always loved to go into the office or into the field with them.

Regardless of what I thought my path was going to be, I always knew I wanted my own. My own medical practice, my own advertising agency, my own business. As I was finishing up my degree, my friends and I were beginning to look for jobs. It was actually my parents who came across Popcorn Country for sale. We discussed it at length and using what I learned in business school and the practical, real-world knowledge from my parents, we decided to take the plunge! I balanced learning to run a business and classes during my last semester at the University of Arizona and ended up graduating in business marketing and psychology from Eller. Today I focus full time on running the business and wearing all the hats that go along with being a business owner. But I could not do it without my family.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There has absolutely been a learning curve! I have learned more in the past year and a half of running Popcorn Country than I have in all of my schoolings. And I would not trade it for the world, because what I have gained is priceless. Becoming a business owner has taken me outside my comfort zone and taught me that change does not happen when you’re “comfortable’. I have learned the importance of surrounding myself with like-minded friends and mentors that inspire me to grow and keep moving forward. I have learned that even if you graduate, your education should never stop. I constantly read books and publications, listen to podcasts, and educate myself on business trends, productivity, marketing, and anything that can help me grow both personally and professionally. However, in the end, it is extremely important to find a work-life balance. As a business owner, you’re not clocking out at 5 pm. You never clock out. But you’re not acting as your best self if you are exhausted all the time. Making sure to set aside time to decompress and enjoy life is just as important as the work you put into your business every day.

Please tell us about Popcorn Country.
Popcorn Country is locally owned and woman-run and has been around in Tucson in some form or fashion for over 30 years. It actually started as a Vic’s Corn Popper in the 1980s, and a couple of owners ago, they decided to become independent and Popcorn Country was born!

We currently have a lineup of 15 flavors (and counting!) including classics like Caramel and Yellow Cheddar to unique flavors like Strawberry Cheesecake and Churro! A number of our flavors are even vegan and/or gluten-free. We don’t add preservatives, and our popcorn seed is non-GMO certified and comes directly from a family owned and operated a farm in the state known for their corn; Iowa!

Anything popcorn related, Popcorn Country can do it. We have bags of popcorn from ‘Small’ all the way to ‘Family Bag’- that has over 100 cups of popcorn in it. From basic bags to party platters, popcorn balls, refillable tins of all sizes and designs, orders for popcorn bars and events, to wholesaling and bulk popcorn, and more! We can even do custom colors in our Confetti popcorn to match your theme! Whether you’re looking for a snack just for yourself, looking for the perfect gift, or wanting popcorn for your event or party, Popcorn Country is your place. No order is too big or too small. Even if you don’t live in Tucson, you can still order online or over the phone and have it shipped to you!

On a larger scale, we work closely with the University of Arizona. The booster club buys custom Confetti in U of A colors as well as Caramel and Yellow Cheddar popcorn from us for each home football game, Gallagher Theater buys our movie theater style popcorn for their movie showings, and we also sell our popcorn in the various stores on campus. In addition, our popcorn is also sold in Safeway, Albertsons, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Aj’s, Bashas, Tucson Medical Center, Northwest Medical Center, and more. We also partner with an organization called “Operation Popcorn” to send popcorn to deployed troops overseas several times a year!

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Almost immediately after taking over in January of 2018, we completely renovated the store and we continue to make improvements to provide the best experience for anyone who comes in. I am currently working toward increasing awareness of Popcorn Country in Tucson and Arizona and expanding the number of places people can buy our popcorn. We love to continue to partner with other businesses as well. For National Popcorn Day we worked with local craft brewery 1912 Brewing Company in Tucson to do a beer and popcorn pairing!

Since taking over, we have added exciting new flavors like Garlic Parmesan, Strawberry Cheesecake, Cookies ‘N’ Cream, Chile Lime, Churro, and Buttered popcorn, as well as new products, such as the party platter and specialty popcorn balls with pretzels and chocolate. Every day, we work to create new flavors and products and are excited to release new offerings later this year!

Contact Info:

• Address: 3914 E. Grant Road
  Tucson, Arizona 85712
• Website: www.popcorncountry.com
• Phone: 520-327-5117
• Email: service@popcorncountry.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/popcorncountry
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/popcorncountry
• Other: www.pinterest.com/popcorncountry

Image Credit:
The popcorn bar photo was taken by Mietra Brown (@mietrabrown), All other photos were taken by me Tina Urfali

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