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Time With The Boss - Cheryl Lauer, Bakers Pride

Cheryl Lauer
BAKERS PRIDE
Website: www.BakersPrideStL.com
Industry: wholesale bakery


Education:
Bradley University, University of Missouri-Columbia and St. Louis (BSBA)

Family: 14-year-old son, Adam, and a wonderful extended family

What is your mission?  
To earn the long-term trust of our customers by delivering quality products and excellent customer service every day! Personally – Be grateful and happy!

What was your first job?  

A baby-sitter and lifeguard. First job out of college was Price Waterhouse.

What was your worst job?  

I was fortunate not to have any bad jobs. Some were definitely better than others, but I enjoyed each in some way and learned a great deal from all of my experiences.

What led you to your industry?  
I started my career with Price Waterhouse, auditing large bakeries. A friend was interested in buying a business and asked me to review the financials for a bakery to see if we could revive it. I saw potential and got hooked. The delicious products and aromas certainly didn’t hurt!

What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?   
Started celebrating small wins more and a big win – our 25-year anniversary!

Who is your industry role model?
 
Anyone that has maintained a successful business while achieving personal happiness.

How do you try to differentiate your business from others in your industry?  

We focus on consistently remaining a resource that our customers can count on through all the ups and downs in our industry and economy.

What’s the hottest trend in your industry, and are you going to jump on board?  
We’ve tried many things in the past 25 years but have learned to stay focused on what we do best.

What’s the hardest part of your job?  
The mental pressure of knowing that something is happening in our business 24/7/365.

What’s the best part?  

My team! Most have been with me eight to 12 years. They produce high-quality products, make on-time deliveries, provide excellent customer service and do so without me being there every day so that I have flexibility in my life to achieve both business and personal goals.

What best advice would you share with new entrepreneurs? 
 
Understand what drives you and what makes you happy. Take care of yourself so that you can give your best to those around you. The more you give, the more you get, but be passionately selfish about your choices. We have limited hours and resources and almost unlimited options.

What’s your favorite place in St. Louis?
 
Anyplace with family, friends, good food and wine. I love trying new places.

What book is on your nightstand?

“Be Great” by Peter Thomas, with a lot of dog-eared pages.

What has made you successful in your industry and in St. Louis?  
Perseverance and the Entrepreneurs’ Organization!

What do you like to do in your free time?  

Spend time with my son, travel, fitness, mountain hiking, yoga and spending time with good friends.

Submitted 7 years 197 days ago
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