If you’re in the mood for the perfect tortilla chip dunked in organic salsa that causes a flavor explosion in your mouth, look no further. Laurie’s Buffalo Gourmet is that perfect complement to a chilly margarita or a late night savory snack on the couch.
Owned and operated by the Seron family, Laurie’s Buffalo Gourmet began as a Utah-based small business over a decade ago. Now this family treat has gone far from its roots and serves many retailers across the U.S., China, and Canada.
Getting into the chip business…
With its humble beginnings as a snack that the Serons made up for social gatherings the tortilla chips slowly transformed into a business idea.
“My husband suggested we start making and selling our chips so that a larger audience could enjoy this family favorite,” Laurie says.
The Seron family moved from California more than 16 years ago and settled down in Utah. Laurie Seron, after whom the chips are named, was passionate about philanthropy and began as a volunteer for causes like homelessness and women’s empowerment. A bridge in Africa and a few other key projects later, Laurie decided she would use her business prowess to fulfill her charitable objectives.
“My ultimate dream and ambition was to launch a business and build it to a point when we can provide microfinance for projects that change the lives of women,” Laurie says.
Making and delivering chips…
Owing to health department regulations, the Seron family started preparing their chips by renting fryers at a local hamburger joint. For close to two years, each night from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., the family fried, seasoned, bagged and stocked tortilla chips. In the wee hours of the morning, the family loaded the chips into their vans and Laurie went around town delivering her freshly produced gourmet chips to specialty food stores around Salt Lake City.
The first store to start stocking Laurie’s Buffalo Gourmet was ‘The Store’ which was one of the frontrunners in the specialty food segment. The idea to have the word ‘Buffalo’ in the name came from a chance family chat when one of Laurie’s children casually threw the idea out. The idea made everyone chuckle but it ultimately caught on as something symbolic of the Wild West.
A feature on the then popular Gabby Gourmet show coupled with the buzz created by the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, Laurie’s chips escalated in popularity. But the manual kneading, frying, seasoning, and packaging couldn’t keep up with the soaring demand for the gourmet chips.
Around that time, the Seron family took the hardest decision in the history of their small business. They decided to completely automate the processes and outsource the operations to a local restaurateur. In retrospect Laurie said it may have been the hardest business decision but was definitely a wise one considering the growing popularity of the product.
The Buffalo Gourmet difference…
Over only a few years, Laurie’s Buffalo Gourmet has grown to great new heights. They now have a presence in some big name grocery stores like Harmon’s but have also been solicited constantly by giant retailers like Walmart. The Seron family has had to deal with difficult strategic decisions on how to expand. Being a specialty gourmet product the family is cautious about not diluting the brand image and spreading themselves too thin.
“Our efforts to provide the highest quality home-made product to the vast health needs of a growing natural marketplace will remain our top priority as long as there are those who demand distinguished flavor and only all natural ingredients in a healthy snack food,” says Laurie.
Laurie’s Buffalo Gourmet consists of gourmet tortilla chips in a variety of flavors including – premium white corn, roasted sesame, sundried tomato and basil, chipotle, black bean and garlic. Their salsas are available in tantalizing flavors like fire roasted pueblo chile, tomatillo and fire roasted salsa, fire hot salsa with habanero peppers, and black bean and corn salsa.
The Buffalo gourmet difference is that all their chips and salsas are made with real, whole and natural ingredients. The company has developed an innovative process called Flavor Fusion. Fresh ingredients like herbs, spices, and corn are combined to create wholesome gourmet tortilla chips, making the product healthier and containing no artificial flavors and colors.
Looking ahead…
The company is staying with the times and expanding their product line into varieties like multigrain, quinoa etc. There are also ideas of introducing all natural snack mixes and beverages under the Buffalo Gourmet umbrella. The focus at the moment is to strengthen the brand name and grow strategically.
Laurie is the brand’s strongest ambassador and actively recruits retail opportunities and is present at food shows across the country.
“The best thing about owning your own business, despite the crazy hours, is the vision,” says Laurie.
Laurie is always cognizant about the motives that led her to start her own business. She dedicates every opportunity she gets to get involved in community activities and philanthropy.
Her advice for up and coming businesses is, “to make sure that you have a solid foundation built at the beginning. Don’t be in a rush. Utilize the resources in the community that are there for you to use.”
For more information, visit:
Laurie’s Buffalo Gourmet
www.lauriesbuffalogourmet.com
Workplace flexibility has become a compelling issue in corporate America. Business leaders are increasingly recognizing the positive effects of workplace flexibility on attracting and retaining employees, reducing turnover and absenteeism, improving employee health and well-being and in turn the impact it has on a company’ bottom line.
Within the umbrella of workplace flexibility, employee wellness is considered a potential high return on investment for employers, primarily due to rising health care costs.
As part of our Workplace Flexibility Initiative, the Salt Lake Chamber Women’s Business Center will host a panel discussion with local leaders and executives on ‘Wellness in the Workplace’. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, August 18 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Salt Lake Chamber Building.
The panelists for the event include Scott Barlow from Central Utah Clinic, Tim Butler from Select Health, Rita Offrett from American Express and Rebecca Fietkau from ARUP Laboratories. Panelists will discuss health and wellness programs and strategies available to reduce injuries, health care costs and long-term disability.
The discussion will make a business case for workplace wellness as well as provide a toolkit for managers to implement simple initiatives in their respective organizations.
Starting a business is a test of fortitude, strategic planning, efficient management and careful organization. It takes a special kind of person with the vision and gumption to make a business come to life. But setting up an actual business is not just about having a dream, there are several key steps to ensure your business a successful start.
So what are all of the things you should consider when launching your new business?
If you are looking to answer that question and more, the Women’s Business Center’s Jump-start program is just for you!
Jump-start was designed as a primer to help entrepreneurs understand the nuances of starting up a business. This biweekly, 1.5 hour session is mandatory for all new clients of the WBC. Our in-house business consultant will walk you through the ABCs of setting up a new business or jump-starting an existing venture.
The session will briefly go over topics like the importance of writing a business plan, how to finance your new venture, marketing your offerings, and finding customers who may be interested in your new product or service. Jump-start also exposes new and existing clients of the WBC to the resources and tools available to small business owners.
One of the objectives of the session is to help participants objectively evaluate their own business ideas. Some of the questions that may sprout in your brain by the end of the session will include: Is there a real market for my product or service? Can I obtain the necessary financing? Do I have the tenacity and discipline to go through the process? Who are my competitors and how is my offering different, better or special?
Jump-start begins with a brief introduction of all participants, followed by an interactive presentation. Finally participants will get a chance to network with fellow entrepreneurs. Participants are given the option of signing up for a free one-on-one consulting sessions with our business consultant.
To sign up for an upcoming Jump-start session please click here.
The registration fee of $10.00 will be refunded upon attendance.
A flair for troubleshooting and creatively solving problems finally landed Rick Hepner in the business that was closest to his heart – Small Business Consulting.
Hepner is the founder and CEO of Next Level Consulting, an independent firm in Salt Lake City dedicated to providing owners and managers with unique solutions to business challenges.
“Small business owners often start their businesses because they are passionate, risk embracing people,” said Hepner. “But before they know it, they are embroiled in the everyday challenges of running a business.”
Rick Hepner
The idea to start a consulting company was born from years of working in a variety of industries. After more than four decades in areas such as construction, television production, media sales, computers and telecommunications, Hepner knew he could convert his vast experience into a service for small businesses.
“I understood the nuts and bolts of the production side, the challenges in marketing and advertising and finally sales and the bottom line,” said Hepner. “Everything added up and I knew the time was right for me to be self-employed.”
Next Level Consulting has been in operation for over two and a half years. Hepner provides a whole suite of services from management, operations and marketing to financial services and strategy.
“My approach is to work collaboratively with my clients to understand and monitor their progress,” said Hepner. “Whether your business is well-established, start-up, or turnaround, Next Level will provide you with a comprehensive plan to take it to the next level.”
Hepner certainly doesn’t mince words while talking about his philosophy. His unique selling proposition is the ability to personalize his services to the needs, size and industries that his clients belong to. His mission is to provide an in-depth evaluation of every client’s situation and stand by them as their organizations grow and evolve.
Avoiding the mass market, cookie-cutter approach to solving his client’s needs has helped Hepner build a reputation for being careful, honest and thorough. No wonder a bulk of his clientele comes from referrals and repeat visits.
As for owning a business himself, Hepner said that the best thing is the independence. But the flipside of freedom is responsibility, he said.
Hepner is also passionate about learning and continuous improvement. His curious and busy personality has him on the board of Vest Pocket Business Coalition, an association of local business owners aiming to protect the diversity of neighborhood businesses in Salt Lake City. He is also a member of the professional chapter of Net Impact Salt Lake City.
When he’s not riding his 1981 BMW motorcycle, Hepner works his creative juices in dabbling with photography, gardening and cooking.
To learn more about Next Level Consulting and all the services offered, visit: http://nextlevelconsulting.biz
Contact Information:
Rick Hepner
Founder and CEO
Phone: 801-573-4546
Email: info@nextlevelconsulting.biz
The Salt Lake Chamber’s Business Women’s Forum will host the 10th Annual Women in Business Summer Social on Thursday, August 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the La Caille Restaurant located at 9565 Wasatch Boulevard, Sandy, Utah 84092.
The event will bring 250-300 of Salt Lake City’s most prominent women together and provide a platform for learning, networking and sharing information.
“The Summer Social will have exciting synergy from a full spectrum of industries and businesses with a dynamic group of business persons who lead the community and business with influence and accomplishment, and an opportunity to network with other business women in an ideal environment,” said Ann Marie Wallace, chair of the Forum.
The proceeds from the event will support the Salt Lake Chamber Women’s Business Center (WBC) which provides men and women entrepreneurs with critical skills, knowledge and tools through counseling, expert training, networking and mentoring opportunities.
“Our entire community benefits from this yearly, social summer event and it is a great way to be involved in Salt Lake’s newest businesses,” said Wallace. “Representation from your organization would be an important part of this event and we encourage your employees to attend.”
The event promises an evening of networking, entertainment, a selection of heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. There will also be a silent auction and opportunities for vendor booths.
“Sponsorship opportunities are available in various denominations to interested organizations,” said Lavanya Mahate, executive director at the WBC. “Sponsors magnify the success of events like this and provide the much needed support to expand the outreach of community organizations such as the WBC.”
To register or for membership information CLICK HERE or call Elizabeth Haefer at 801-328-5048 or e-mail infowbc@slchamber.com
Training with a personal touch!
If your organization is looking to train its employees in software for database management, budgeting, spread sheets and presentations, look no further.
Compu-Train, an on-site computer software training company based in Salt Lake City, offers customized training modules for beginner, advanced and expert levels of Microsoft Excel, Access, Project, PowerPoint and the Internet.
Backed by over twelve years of training experience, owner and certified instructor, Staci Warne brings to the table an uncommon mix of technical and communication expertise.
“I used to work as a financial analyst at a bank and somewhere along the line, I became the go-to person for all computer software related questions,” said Warne.
A passion for trouble-shooting software issues soon turned into a lucrative career path and Warne took up a job as a Lead Trainer at CompUSA for 10 years. After CompUSA closed its retail operations and was liquidated, Warne decided that the time was right to start her own business.
With an array of certifications like Microsoft Certified Trainer, Professional and Application Specialist under her belt, Warne established her business in Salt Lake City a little over three years ago. Her focus has always been to teach people to befriend technology and exploit its capabilities.
Staci Warne
“My vision with Compu-Train is to help you focus on people over technology, strategies over features,” said Warne. “My approach, unlike most training instructors, is less pedagogical and offers insights, applications, practical exercises and tips and tricks.”
Warne is looking to expand her client base and alert organizations to her unique offerings. For companies looking to train their employees and executives with busy schedules, Warne provides one-on-one trainings. Her industry-approved course manual is excellent for post-class reference and review. Finally, her custom designed coursework can be tailored to the needs of individual organizations.
“Compu-Train, is your partner in meeting your software needs, supporting your business systems and goals, and creating a happier and more productive workplace,” said Warne.
Warne’s future plans include providing clients with training on soft skills like time management, presentation skills which are a complement to her software instruction on MS Office Outlook and PowerPoint. She is also exploring the prospect of becoming a certified instructor in the Adobe Suite as well as Apple programs.
To contact the instructor please visit www.compu-train.net.
Research shows that there is a return on investment for organizations that offer workplace flexibility as part of an effective business strategy.
Positive business impacts of workplace flexibility and effectiveness include:
· Attracting and retaining employees
· Addressing generational differences
· Increasing employee engagement/commitment
· Reducing turnover
· Reducing absenteeism and sick days
· Improving health and well-being, reducing stress
· Increasing customer satisfaction
· Reducing business costs
· Increasing productivity and profitability
· Improving staffing coverage to meet business demands
Business leaders increasingly recognize the positive effects of workplace flexibility and effectiveness on retention and other bottom line impacts. For example, McKinnon Mulherin, a local Utah company explains, “We have to provide a flexible work environment that allows all of our people to succeed both personally and professionally. Ten years ago, women were leaving the firm at a faster rate than men. Today, our retention rates for men and women are the same, thanks to our family friendly policies and flexible culture. Without question, McKinnon & Mulherin and several other progressive Utah companies’ people policies and culture are generating terrific success from both an economic and strategic perspective.”
To learn more about workplace effectiveness and flexibile policies that help both employers and employees please attend a free luncheon ‘Alfred P Sloan Awards Kick Off” on Feb 9th from 12 noon to 1 PM at the Salt Lake Chamber. Register slchamber.com or call Heather Fountaine at 801-328-5048.
The Business Women’s Forum of the Women’s Business Center held their holiday luncheon on Dec 15th at Red Butte Gardens. This year’s holiday luncheon featured guest speaker Jason Mathis, executive director of the Downtown Alliance and executive vice president of the Salt Lake Chamber. Mathis discussed the holiday happenings taking place in downtown Salt Lake City and how residents can enjoy the traditions and festivities this year.
Jason talked in particular about Downtown Alliance’s latest project the three-day celebration from Dec. 29-31 called “EVE” featuring great activities, music and a beer garden. A complete list of events, as well as restaurants and hotels that are offering EVE participants a discount, is at www.eveslc.com.
The Business Women’s Forum is a program of the Salt Lake Chamber’s Women’s Business Center helping business women and professional women network and strengthen professional and social relationships. The Women’s Business Center is a non-profit organization which provides free services to help local business professionals develop business knowledge, skills, and contacts. These programs are geared towards women, but are available to all local residents.
For further information about the Business Women’s Forum or the Women’s Business Center please contact Lavanya Mahate at 801-328-5066 or click here.
