Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Gorin, owner of The Best To You. She and her team shared their story with us below:
The Best To You started in 1985. Until then, it was a hobby that Linda enjoyed doing part time, when not at a job managing a Chiropractic office. Clients were friends and family. One day, a family member ordered a gift for a prominent attorney, and then the attorney called to order 300 gifts to thank his best clients.
Upon realizing that her hobby had become her passion, Linda resigned from her secure job, signed a lease, purchased a credit card machine, and sent out her first flyer. Back then, the gift basket business was a fledgling industry, and the flier read, “Are you tired of giving flowers when you wanted something more?” The mailing was a big success! The company went through numerous expansions and was featured on Channel 8 and Channel 10 News numerous times. The Yellow Pages selected The Best To You for a yearlong TV ad, and the Chamber of Commerce chose The Best To You as Small Business of the Month.
Today the family-owned business of 38 years has a reputation of being one of the finest gifting companies in the industry. They specialize in corporate gifts, hotel amenities, convention and building industry gifts, as well as gifts for every holiday, theme and occasion.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Having been so busy for years with almost every major builder in San Diego, the industry collapsed, and all the builders slashed their budgets. The company had to pivot to hospitality, hotel, and convention gifts, along with corporate and client appreciation gifts. It was tough at first, but the change was successful.
Also, during the Pandemic, there was a severe supply chain problem. Products that were usually received in less than a week, took months to receive, or were not available at all. This included baskets, other containers, gift items, gourmet items (they were unable to get the bags, tins, or containers in which to package their products). The Best To You saw the problem early and stocked up on inventory to prepare.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Best To You is most proud of delivering comfort, goodwill, encouragement, and lasting memories. The office party baskets become instant celebrations; the employee gifts send morale skyrocketing! The business appreciation gifts help increase business and referrals. Also, The Best To You Team is known as being experts in custom design and unsurpassed presentations.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Paying attention to detail when taking an order, so that the recipient knows the gift was specially made just for them. We ask about the recipient’s hobbies, interests, favorite types of gourmet items (sweet or savory), if there are any pets, kids, do they like entertaining, travel, do they have any dietary restrictions, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: thebesttoyou.com
- Instagram: thebesttoyou_giftbaskets
- Facebook: facebook.com/besttoyou
- Yelp: The Best To You – Elegant Gift Baskets
