Fast Company Article-Ilene Sorensen Great Harvest Recipe for Growth by Heath Row December 1998, pg. 46

The Wakemans are really in the dough. They had no idea when they started that their dream would mushroom into the business they have today.

They had some pluses when they started. The main thing was their attitude. They were willing to let people be innovative and creative. The owners of the bakeries could do as they saw fit. They would have to assess their own communities as to what it would take to make this business work.

Experience is the mother of expertise. I think this is so important. I am a nutrition education assistant. The experience I had as a teacher, mother, and cook has certainly helped me help others. It has helped me give ideas and experiences that I have had doing things.

Their idea of having new owners visit established owners was great. I have received some excellent ideas from my NEA peers and also clients. They have tried things that I havent. We share what has worked for us and what hasnt. It just makes economical sense for peers to share ideas.

This would be an excellent way to expand a business. An Economic Development Officer shared with me that the secret to a new venture is letting the people be creative and let them do what they want to do. He went on to say this is sometime very difficult.

-- Anonymous, April 15, 1999

Answers

Ilene Sorensen,

Good observations. Put a little more into your summary.

-- Anonymous, October 01, 1999