Kate McCrea, McCrea’s Candies – Episode 002

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas

The candy business is not always sweet. In this episode, Kate McCrea, McCrea’s Candies and I cover the challenges of cash flow and the importance of having a strong team to support your business growth.

A little About Kate and McCrea's Candies

McCrea’s Candies was founded by husband-wife team Jason and Kate McCrea. Building upon backgrounds in biology and chemistry, the McCrea’s transitioned into the sweet science of candy making after double layoffs. Started in a home kitchen, McCrea’s Candies now offers a full line of mouthwatering caramels to over 800 retail outlets throughout North America.

https://www.mccreascandies.com/

Takeaways

• Hardest part of the business is maintaining cash flow and capital for growth
• Know your numbers and stay true to your margins.
• Good people are worth their weight in gold
• Always be ready for buyers – they’re everywhere
• Start day with non-business reading—something that feeds your interest
• Listen to audio books in the car

Recommended Resources

Books!

https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Bar-Integrity-Passion-Business/dp/0787986712

https://www.amazon.com/Let-People-Surfing-Education-Businessman/dp/0143037838

Apps!

Audible, online books

Quotables from Kate

"I wish someone had told me success can be extremely expensive."

"It's critical to have a peer group of people at your level or a step above."

"We're not a failure for having problems, even really big problems. It's just a matter of working out the solution."