UNITED STATES - At many times in our lives, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The unknown is also a space for growth and change, for pause, and for opportunity, according to the Founder of the Importer Insight Podcast, Amanda Horney.
"Some businesses are built from market opportunities. Others are built from necessity. Importer Insight was built from both," Amanda said. "The idea first began taking shape in 2023, during one of the biggest turning points of my life. That was the year my father and his business partner sold the company that had shaped so much of my world. When it sold, I suddenly found myself standing at a crossroads I never expected."
At the same time, her husband Nathaniel Horney—a total and permanently disabled Air Force veteran—had begun home hemodialysis treatments. Even as he faced serious health challenges, he encouraged Amanda to build something of her own.
"Try because life is short. Try because maybe it works. Try because too many people wait until it's too late," Amanda said. "I had already purchased the website Importer Insight in 2023, but for nearly a year it sat quietly in the background. Then, in late 2024, while attending the New York Produce Show, everything changed."
At that show, Amanda connected with a longtime family friend—a veteran of the mango industry—who became her first podcast guest. The conversation opened a door.
"We were just two people sitting down, having a real conversation about imports, produce, business, and life. No scripts. No corporate talking points. Just honesty," Amanda said. "That interview unlocked something for me. I realized there was an entire side of the fresh produce industry that wasn't being talked about enough."
For Amanda, that gap is both an industry problem and a personal conviction.
"I believe strongly in local farmers and American business. But I also understand the reality that the United States depends heavily on imported food. Behind that system are growers, importers, customs brokers, logistics teams, warehouse operators, salespeople, inspectors, truck drivers, and families whose work helps feed this country every single day," she said. "Those stories deserve a platform too. That's what Importer Insight became."
Today, the platform includes interviews, industry analysis, market discussions, consulting services, Substack articles, Patreon content, and sales representation opportunities. A Capco Farms interview with Founder Michael Warren has surpassed 100,000 views on YouTube.
"The mission has stayed the same from the beginning: create real conversations people can actually learn from," Amanda said.
Just weeks after her first podcast episode aired, Nathan received a kidney transplant on March 18, 2025.
"Importer Insight is a labor of love," Amanda said. "It was built through uncertainty, reinvention, exhaustion, faith, and resilience. More than a business, it has become both a love letter to my husband and a testament to what can happen when faith is stronger than fear. And we're just getting started."
Thank you for sharing your story, Amanda, and we are excited to support you in your journey.
