Joe Basta, Co-Founder of Tellus Outdoor, will share his business journey in Fort Collins. Joe grew Rodelle Inc. from a 7-person team to a 100+ employee company with major retail partnerships and a global vanilla supply chain, and created Tellus Outdoor. Tellus is a sustainable clothing brand with philanthropy and social responsibility at the core of the business.
More about Joe:
Education
Drake University, Des Moines IA
Restauranter
From 1992 to 1997, Joe Basta was a restaurateur at Jerome’s in Chicago, IL. In this role, he gained valuable experience in the food service and hospitality industry, overseeing daily operations and managing staff to ensure a high-quality dining experience for guests.
Peace Corps Volunteer
From 1997 to 2000, Joe Basta served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic. In this capacity, he focused his efforts on business development initiatives, collaborating with a local clothing manufacturer through a program sponsored by USAID. Joe worked closely with U.S. companies such as JC Penney, facilitating partnerships and helping to identify local job opportunities. His role involved developing strategies to improve business operations, and he contributed by implementing practical solutions aimed at enhancing economic development in the region.
Rodelle: Co-Founder
From 2000 to 2019, Joe Basta was the Co-Founder of Rodelle, a leading retail flavoring company based in Fort Collins, Colorado. In this role, he played a pivotal part in establishing and growing the business, helping it become a recognized name in the retail flavoring industry focused on baking ingredients. Rodelle worked with 80% of the top grocery retailers in North America. Under his leadership, Rodelle achieved significant success and market presence.In 2019, Rodellewas acquired by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), a major player in the food industry. ADM is listed as #43 on the 2025 Fortune 500 list, marking the significance of this acquisition and further underscoring the impact of Joe Basta's contributions to Rodelle's growth and success.
Tellus: Co-Founder
Joe Basta is the Co-Founder of Tellus, a company dedicated to producing sustainable outdoor wear. In this capacity, he has played an instrumental role in establishing the brand, focusing on environmentally responsible practices and the development of high-quality, durable apparel for outdoor enthusiasts. The company is committed to sustainability, ensuring that its products are made with materials and processes that minimize environmental impact while maintaining performance and comfort for users.