At Dickson Living, our mission is to promote the businesses and people in Dickson County—from business listings to blog posts, from classifieds and jobs to the stories of our citizens. In our Trailblazer series, we celebrate individuals who are leading the way, making a positive impact, and blazing new paths in the community. This month, we shine the spotlight on Mitchell Wilson, the co-founder of Tare Bulk Foods, a unique grocery store in downtown Dickson that is changing the way people shop.
Mitchell has always embraced risk-taking in both life and business. From an early age, he completed over 300 skydives during his teens and early twenties, demonstrating his adventurous spirit. Originally from Waverly, his willingness to take risks led him and his wife, Amelia, to move across the country to an unfamiliar location and later moving back to Dickson to ultimately start Tare. Mitchell cautiously approaches challenges but remains committed to doing what others may consider “dangerous”. He believes that life is a series of decisions, and he strives to exercise good judgment in every choice he makes.
When discussing his definition of success, Mitchell considers himself an “inner scorecard type of guy.” For him, success goes beyond external recognition; it encompasses both freedom and meaning. He attributes his achievements to becoming a family man, remarking, “Everything else has been a bonus.” Regarding Tare’s success, they keep a daily reminder of their journey by the store register, saying, “we have a jar of gold BBs sitting on our checkout counter. People often ask about it. I once heard that the key to success isn’t one silver bullet, it’s a thousand golden BBs. The little things add up”.
At Tare, innovation and adaptability are at the forefront of the business model. Mitchell and Amelia passionately advocate for bringing “soul” back into the shopping experience. Rejecting the mediocrity of conventional grocery trips—characterized by bright lights and an overwhelming number of plastic-wrapped options—Tare offers a refreshing alternative. With a focus on real human interactions, top-tier customer service, and local vendor support, the store aims to create a mindful shopping experience. Their philosophy is simple: pay for the food, not the packaging, while also minimizing waste in the community.
A pivotal moment that shaped Mitchell’s entrepreneurial journey was volunteering for Larkspur Conservation, a natural burial nonprofit. Witnessing the profound grief of families during their final goodbyes had a lasting impact on him. He learned the importance of making life meaningful, noting, “When you see so many final scenes of people’s movies, it hits you that you’ll have a final scene one day too”. This experience has driven him to minimize regrets and embrace life’s opportunities, whether marrying a loved one, embarking on a new adventure, or reconnecting with estranged friends and family.
During challenging times, Mitchell finds motivation in the words of a wise quote: “A strong enough ‘Why’ can bear any ‘How’”. This mantra helps him remain focused on his goals, even when faced with obstacles. In his pursuit of continuous learning and personal growth, he encourages others to follow their natural curiosity while ignoring external noise. He advises seeking guidance only from those who have achieved what one desires—be it character, health, wealth, or wisdom.
Ultimately, the legacy Mitchell hopes to leave behind in Dickson County is one of hope and inspiration. He aims to encourage others to become creative and useful members of the community. “There are problems and things that could be better anywhere you look. Develop main character energy and do something about it,” he asserts, urging fellow residents to take action and make a difference.
Tare is not just a grocery store; it is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions and creating a meaningful impact within the community. With a strong foundation rooted in values and a commitment to innovation, this business is poised to be a valuable asset to Dickson County.
