Seth Berkowitz

Seth Berkowitz is the Founder and CEO of Insomnia Cookies, a successful late-night bakery chain that he started as a college side hustle in 2002.12 Here's an overview of his background and achievements:

Education and Early Career

Seth Berkowitz attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from 2001 to 2004.3 It was during his time as a college student that he came up with the idea for Insomnia Cookies, baking and delivering cookies to fellow students on campus late at night.2

Insomnia Cookies

Berkowitz officially founded Insomnia Cookies in October 2003.3 The company has grown from a dorm room operation to a multimillion-dollar business with over 265 locations across North America and international expansions in Canada and England.2 Some key points about the company's growth include:

• The first retail store opened in Syracuse, New York, in 2003.2
• By 2016, the company had opened its 100th store.2
• In 2018, Krispy Kreme acquired a 74.5% stake in Insomnia Cookies for approximately $139.5 million.1

Entrepreneurial Journey

Berkowitz's path to success with Insomnia Cookies wasn't without challenges. Around 2009-2010, the company struggled with profitability, and Berkowitz found himself questioning whether to continue.1 However, with support from his wife and a renewed focus on a simplified business model, he persevered and eventually turned the company around.

Other Ventures

In addition to his role at Insomnia Cookies, Berkowitz is involved in other business ventures:

• Founding Partner at Beacon (2015 - Present)3
• Founder of Financialese (February 2015 - Present)3

Seth Berkowitz's story with Insomnia Cookies is often described as a testament to perseverance in entrepreneurship.1 He has successfully transformed a college side hustle into a thriving business that caters to late-night cookie cravings across multiple countries.