'Dirt,' fine food, keys to success

Keen palates and business acumen are essential ingredients in both Todd Courtney's spice business and Victoria Stagmer's food shop.

Mr. Courtney launched his spice business with $2,000 and a passion for food and success, based on a recipe he created himself.

This year alone, he expects to retail from 30,000 to 60,000 bottles of his add-to-everything seasoning called Todd's Dirt. The product is sold in a small jar for $5.99. Orders are brisk and traveling far beyond Mr. Courtney's family kitchen in Severna Park where the business began.

Now packaged in California, the product's lids are manufactured in...