San Antonio, October 25, 2025
News Summary
During the San Antonio Startup Week, KIND Snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky shared his entrepreneurial journey and the core mission of his company. Highlighting challenges and lessons learned, he emphasized a business philosophy that integrates social responsibility and teamwork. His early experiences and the impact of his education at Trinity University were also discussed, inspiring many attendees to embrace entrepreneurial thinking. The event, featuring workshops and competitions, provided a platform for local talents and aspiring entrepreneurs to connect.
San Antonio – Daniel Lubetzky, a graduate of Trinity University and the founder of KIND Snacks, shared his entrepreneurial journey during the keynote address at San Antonio Startup Week (SASW) on October 15. The event, which took place at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Riverwalk, promotes entrepreneurship through various workshops, educational sessions, and competitions.
Lubetzky’s speech highlighted the challenges he faced and the lessons learned while developing KIND Snacks, which he established in 2004. The company aims to embody its core mission of “be KIND to your body and others,” and is classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Lubetzky described the concept of “not-only-for-profit,” indicating his commitment to social causes, including initiatives that foster peace and social change as evidenced on the company’s website.
During the session, attended by local residents, Trinity students, and alumni interested in entrepreneurship, Lubetzky was introduced by Trinity University President Vanessa Beasley. Mary Ullmann Japhet, a fellow Trinity alumna, moderated a discussion on Lubetzky’s business ventures.
Early Entrepreneurial Experiences
Lubetzky’s entrepreneurial spirit began at a young age. At 16, he sold souvenir coffee mugs with his father at the Eisenhauer Market. His ventures continued with various sales activities such as watches at North Star Mall and door-to-door sales of sun-dried tomato spreads. While studying at Trinity, Lubetzky created a network of student salespeople to further his entrepreneurial interests.
His father, a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to Mexico at 15 after liberation from a concentration camp, deeply influenced Lubetzky’s business philosophy. The values of perseverance and kindness instilled by his father inspired the name for KIND Snacks.
Business Philosophy and Social Responsibility
Before founding KIND, Lubetzky encountered several failed business endeavors. His aim was to promote social justice to mitigate hardships faced by others, similar to what his father endured. This mission led to the creation of the PeaceWorks Foundation, which aims to encourage peace through economic collaboration between Israelis and Palestinians.
Lubetzky’s philosophy revolves around leveraging market forces for positive change rather than just profit. At KIND, he focuses on teamwork and company culture, offering stock options to employees to promote ownership mentality. He believes that questioning, debating, and taking initiative are vital components for business advancement. The culture at KIND encourages team members to prioritize the organization over individual self-interests.
Impact of Trinity University Education
President Beasley emphasized the positive impact that a Trinity degree can have, showcasing the successful alumni like Lubetzky and Japhet. Lubetzky advised students to embrace a liberal arts education, as it fosters curiosity and encourages entrepreneurial thinking. The event notably influenced attendees, including Alessandra Ceccarelli, a senior at Trinity and aspiring entrepreneur, who expressed feeling motivated by Lubetzky’s narrative.
Ceccarelli mentioned a sense of community among Trinity students and alumni present at the event, highlighting the inspiration gained from the SASW experience and the opportunities available at Trinity University.
What is San Antonio Startup Week?
San Antonio Startup Week (SASW) is a five-day conference that focuses on promoting entrepreneurship through a series of workshops, educational events, and pitch competitions like the Stumberg Competition.
Who introduced Daniel Lubetzky at the event?
Daniel Lubetzky was introduced at the event by Trinity University President Vanessa Beasley.
What is the mission of KIND Snacks?
The core mission of KIND Snacks is to “be KIND to your body and others.”
What does the term “not-only-for-profit” mean?
The term “not-only-for-profit” signifies that KIND Snacks, registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, aims to prioritize social causes in addition to generating profit.
What early business experiences did Daniel Lubetzky have?
Lubetzky’s first business experiences included selling souvenir coffee mugs with his father and various items, such as watches and sun-dried tomato spread.
What inspired Lubetzky’s business philosophy?
Lubetzky’s business philosophy is influenced by his father’s story as a Holocaust survivor, driving him to promote social justice and positive change through his endeavors.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle
- Wikipedia: Daniel Lubetzky
- Bloomberg
- Google Search: Daniel Lubetzky
- Axios San Antonio
- Google Scholar: Daniel Lubetzky
- Express News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Daniel Lubetzky
- TIME
- Google News: Daniel Lubetzky
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