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We`ve been taking small steps as we build our gluten free bakery. As we develop our products we`ve been able to sell them in local stores that specialize in gluten free food (Many thanks to chef Andrew Doyle at Bel Cibo in Clawson, MI).

I wanted to share with the community a recent small step that for us is a giant leap.

Inspired by the story in StartupNation:Open for Business about Garden Fresh Salsa, I e-mailed the president of Hiller`s Markets about putting our fresh baked gluten free cookies in his stores. He forwarded the message to the gluten free buyer, we met with him and now our Great Taste Gluten Free cookies are in Hiller`s Plymouth and Ann Arbor, MI stores.

We also have lined up a distributor who is putting our products in stores across southern MIchigan. It feels good to see a dream becoming reality; even if it`s one small step at a time.

Thanks to the Sloan brothers for the encouragement and guidance.

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As a person with celiac, I can say "WOOHOO!" That`s great! Congratulations! My two little boys (4 & 1) have celiac too. My products (dip mixes & frosted nuts) are gluten free.

A friend of mine is just starting to sell her GF baked goods. She studied under Bette Hagman (GF Gourmet) and her stuff is even better than most "real" bakeries put out. I think you are in a great niche at a great time - especially with celiac and gluten intolerance being diagnosed more now (thank goodness). Best of luck with your business!

Thanks for sharing your inspirational story Steve, and good for you for following the lead of another successful entrepreneur. Garden Fresh Salsa is Jack Aronson`s company and you can read about his key move in this article.

You`re on your way Steve!!

steve,

you better stoke the fires in your ovens! sounds like you`re ramping up now and on your way. really excited for you.

remember:

1) probe customers for info to always improve and ad to product/product line.

2) give away free samples - get people addicted and talking about your products

3) spy for reporters who`ve done stories in regional newspapers or on TV that you think would be interested in what you`re selling. send some samples to these reporters (or deliver them to their lobby if you can, for many at their newsroom to enjoy). call them to let them know your amazing story or angle to get press. make it a story. wow them! ultimately any coverage you get will drive people into the store.

4) know clearly from the grocers carrying your products what`s required in order to get a second order. this is called `sell through` and is extremely important. getting product there is key, but getting product to `fly off the shelves` might be even more important. you can then take that `sell-through` story to other stores and let your track record do your selling for you...

way to START IT UP!

rich

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Rich Sloan , Co-Founder, Chief Startupologist, StartupNation

Congratulations, Steve!  You`re "giant leap" is significant.  Enjoy it because you`re hard work is paying off.

All the best!

hi Steve,

I thought about you and your products this week after seeing Jenny McCarthy on 20/20 and on Oprah Winfrey on Tuesday with regards to the Autism and Gluten Free foods...

Her book is working it`s way up the charts with the booksellers and now I`m willing to bet that prospects will hit the web by the hundreds of thousands researching "gluten-free".

This may be a good time to take advantage of the masses while the spotlight is on this subject. As her book continues the spiral up, people will be wanting more information.

Perhaps a spin-off may be in order, example of companies doing that: Chicken Soup for the Soul, for the Dog, for the Teens, for the Cats, etc...

I wish you well!

Cartess

Great to hear you are speeding right along, Steve.  Congratulations to you and Carol.