Apr. 15, 2024
Grand Junction,
CO.
“Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.” ~ William Jennings Bryan,19th century American politician and orator
(Can’t read the full email – click here for the online version.)
This area in Colorado’s western slopes is many things. It’s here that the river of the same name emerges from its first of many gorges and provides a liquid bounty to orchards and vineyards.
Outdoors people flock to area as well – its
proximity to hiking, rafting, cycling and skiing being a big draw.
But as we have learned over the years, this area also has some amazing businesses.
One such company is the renowned candymaker, Enstrom Toffee & Confectionary.
Officially founded in 1960 by Chet and Vernie Enstrom, the
Enstrom Candy company has a rich and sweet history that has delighted taste buds for generations. It all began with a simple recipe for Almond Toffee, crafted by Chet Enstrom in his own kitchen.
But even before this, in 1929, soon after Chet and his wife Vernie had moved to Grand Junction, they partnered with a salesman, Harry Jones to start the Jones-Enstrom Ice Cream Company. But just as they were
getting started, the stock market crashed, and the banks closed. It was a tough time for businesses everywhere, and the Enstroms had to get resourceful to keep their doors open.
Luckily, Chet had a few tricks up his sleeve. Years before, he had taken a course in refrigeration engineering, and he put those skills to good use, becoming the go-to refrigeration expert in the Grand Valley. This kept the ice cream business afloat during the
Great Depression.
During WWII when butter and sugar were rationed, Chet offered to make toffee for parents to send to their boys in the service. The parents provided the butter and sugar, and he would supply the rest of the ingredients.
It was during one of his experiments for a butter brickle ice cream inclusion that Chet stumbled upon a
recipe that would change his life forever: Almond Toffee.
The rich and buttery treat soon turned heads so in 1960, Chet and Vernie decided to open their own mom-and-pop shop, "Enstrom Candy Co.," where they proudly crafted hand-dipped chocolates, small-batch caramels, and of course, their world-renowned Almond Toffee for their friends and neighbors.
Over the
years, the Enstrom family has continued to innovate and expand their product line, introducing new flavors and treats to satisfy every sweet tooth. From rich, buttery caramels to smooth, creamy fudge, Enstrom Candy has become a staple in the candy industry, known for its commitment to excellence and tradition.
Today, the Enstrom Candy company remains a family-owned and operated business, with the third generation carrying on the legacy
of their founders.
And this is the remarkable part.
It is rare for companies to survive 2 generations let alone 3.
Rarer still for those companies to continue to grow, generate profits and remain true to the spirit of the founders.
Several things
must go well:
- Transition of the business from founder to children. There are legal and financial considerations, plus the next in line must have both the aptitude and interest in continuing the legacy.
- Adherence to quality, service, and the ability to attract
employees who also buy into the vision and mission.
- An ability to upgrade and modernize facilities and operations. This is a must if one wishes to scale the business and remain profitable.
What about your business? Can it survive without you? Do you have systems and processes in place so that you could hand over the reins to the
next generation, or at least to managers and employees?
In other words, do you have an exit strategy?
Until next week,
Stay healthy and focus on profit!
- Hugh
The “Profit Accelerator” Expert
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