Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Croy.
Hi Anne, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
With a passion to create the “world’s best” granola, Banner Road Baking Company was launched in 2015. As a company, we believe in regenerative organic agriculture and a transparent sustainable business model. As chefs and artists, our granolas are bursting with flavor and interesting texture and come in an eye-popping package. They are Certified Organic and Non-GMO Verified. A portion of our profits are donated to the Usher Syndrome Coalition.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Gaining placement in the grocery and natural foods channels takes great tenacity and persistence. It is not an easy task. As an entrepreneur, you realize that you are the last to be paid also. Making sure your employees are well taken care of is paramount. The Covid pandemic was challenging in that all of our appointments with buyers for new placement were canceled due to the shutdown. We took advantage of the SBA loans to keep our employees in place.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I studied Fine Art in college and supported myself by working in restaurants. I have always loved cooking. After school, I took a position in the Furniture and Design Industry as a product designer working for two different companies. I left that industry as an Art Director to pursue my interest in cooking. In St. Louis, I went to work as a Pastry Chef for Gerard Craft’s (James Beard Winner) Pastaria restaurant developing their signature gelato program and Italian desserts. I stayed in the position for 5 years and started Banner Road Baking Co. as a little sideline business. I am an avid runner and have always loved great granola to replenish and sustain my active life. The granola business began to take off and I moved to working on that full-time. We attracted investors early on and it has been a richly rewarding experience thus far!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Success in the food industry requires commitment, focus, hard work, and avid faith in yourself and your company. You must be able to sustain yourself against rejection and unexpected blows. Competition is fierce. Integrity, authenticity, and the willingness to ask for help is very important. Having great inner drive gives you a leg up, while compassion and kindness must be the foundation you build upon.
Pricing:
- 11 oz granola – SRP $10.00
- 4 oz granola – SRP $6.00
- 5lb Bulk granola – $55.00
- Gift Boxes – Various pricing online
Contact Info:
- Email: anne@bannerroad.com
- Website: https://www.bannerroad.com
- Instagram: bannerroad
- Facebook: bannerroad
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXKkDEtFmuQ
Image Credits
Sean Funcik
Greg Rannells
