Great Lakes Tinned Fish is the first, Midwest-based tinned fish company sourcing exclusively from the Great Lakes region. The business was built on three principles: 1) celebrating Great Lakes flavor and culinary innovation, 2) supporting sustainable fishing practices and the region’s commercial fishing industry, and 3) embodying the Midwestern spirit of hospitality. Founded in November 2024, the product is now available in 250+ retailers across 35+ states and online in three flavors of cold-smoked whitefish: original, garlic & shallot, and lemon & dill.

Marissa is the founder of Great Lakes Tinned Fish, the first, Midwest-based tinned fish company sourcing exclusively from the Great Lakes region. Her mission to bring people together – through shared space and common ground – is a guiding force behind the startup and all other community initiatives she is part of. The business was built on three principles: 1) celebrating Great Lakes flavor and culinary innovation, 2) supporting sustainable fishing practices and the region’s commercial fishing industry, and 3) embodying the Midwestern spirit of hospitality. She was recently honored with MSU Product Center’s 2025 Young Innovator Award for her work to put the Great Lakes on the map for tinned fish, and the company is a member of the 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge alongside her suppliers to drive innovation and reduce waste in the fishing industry. The product is now available in 250+ retailers across 35 states and online, having launched in November 2024.

Under her leadership, Great Lakes Tinned Fish has won the Sunset Foods Top Innovator Award, Start Garden Demo Day grant and an Elite 8 placement at Midwest House Pitch Competition (an unofficial SXSW event).