Carol’s Cakes
“SMALL BUSINESS EXCELLENCE” AWARD
Developing and adding new products, attending festivals and local markets to grow brand recognition, and expanding wholesale presence with four new locations resulted in considerable growth for this company. With a minimum of 50% month-over-month comparison between 2022 and 2023, they realized an outstanding 97% increase over one year.
Doubling their staff, which historically comprised all females of similar ages, they grew to include both genders and span five decades. Recognizing the value of their employees, they introduced benefits, which is not the norm in this field. They promote team building through inclusive staff lunches and seasonal staff parties, and are highly inclusive and welcoming, proactively supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and staff.
Open to customer feedback, they aim to create a valuable customer experience and have done so by adding a dedicated customer service position, providing fully customized orders, creating a website to allow customers to contact them 24/7 and order online outside of business hours, implementing outside sales support working with local companies and the community, and opening on Sundays for greater access. They also started providing monthly deliveries to the Dew Drop Inn, donating birthday cakes, in line with their mission of dignity and respect for everyone.
They sponsor and partner with many local organizations, including CLE Special Needs Days, the United Way, CIBC Run for the Cure, Wake the Giant, and the Hymers Fall Fair “Young Baker” contest, encouraging the next generation in our field.
A great example of vision, business growth, a great workplace culture, and community involvement.
Sponsored by Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission
