Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Hastings.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started working for The Baked Bear a month after their doors opened May of 2013 in Pacific Beach while I was attending SDSU. I had every intention of finishing my biology degree and applying to medical schools, but quickly became consumed with the growing business and what I was learning from the founders, Shane Stanger and Rob Robbins.
Once I graduated after two years with the company, they offered me the position of Director of Operations for the franchise side of the business they were launching, and the rest is history. Now as Director of Ops I facilitate how our proprietary ingredients/products get to the different states we’re opening new stores in so that each cookie, brownie, donut, & ice cream is perfect. I go off to the new stores for a week at a time to set it up & make sure all training is done then I’m ongoing support for them forever.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been really smooth! Which I’m sure isn’t the norm in a growing & adapting business, but it’s attributed to our close-knit team of 4. We’re always on the same page & have the same long-term goal in mind. If we hit a bump in the road, we all weigh in and choose unanimously what’s best for the business. My team is the best.
Please tell us about The Baked Bear.
The Baked Bear is all about the customer & all about the experience. We strive to provide the best service to each unique person and make their experience all about them from beginning to end – even when the line is down the street. This stems entirely from the team we bring on – and we make sure they are upbeat, friendly, and have a genuine interest in the person on the other side of the counter.
On the other hand – the quality of the product is KEY. Amazing customer service means nothing if you can’t back it up with the goods (and vice versa). All our cookie dough is homemade, mixed in-house from scratch (with the highest quality sugars, butter, eggs, etc.), hand-scooped, and baked fresh daily. Our ice creams are our own craft recipes made with the highest quality dairy (free of rBGH), cocoa, vanilla, caramel, and peppermint. We’re constantly coming up with new and exciting flavors.
Combine all three and you’ve got a great thing going. Our mission: “to spread joy and create memories, bringing a smile to every customer’s face, one ice cream sandwich at a time”.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Not a thing :), every ‘mistake’ provided an invaluable lesson learned.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebakedbear.com
- Email: alison@thebakedbear.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebakedbear/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBakedBear/
Image Credit:
Shane Stanger
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